Algorithms for converting estimates of child malnutrition based on the NCHS reference into estimates based on the WHO Child Growth Standards
2008

Algorithms for Converting Child Malnutrition Estimates

Sample size: 271 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Yang Hong, de Onis Mercedes

Primary Institution: World Health Organization

Hypothesis

Can algorithms be developed to convert child malnutrition estimates from the NCHS reference to the WHO standards?

Conclusion

The algorithms provide a highly accurate tool for converting existing NCHS estimates into WHO estimates for child malnutrition.

Supporting Evidence

  • The algorithms were validated using a different set of surveys.
  • The average difference between predicted and observed values was less than 0.5% for most indicators.
  • The correlation coefficients for the algorithms were all greater than 0.90.

Takeaway

This study created a way to change old child health data into a new format that helps us understand how many kids are healthy or not.

Methodology

The study analyzed 68 surveys using WHO standards and developed algorithms through linear regression.

Limitations

The algorithms may not be applicable to surveys with age ranges outside of 0-60 months.

Participant Demographics

Surveys included children aged 0 to 60 months.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2431-8-19

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