Demystifying Z-scores: feedback needed on a new weight-for-height slide chart

Many readers of Field Exchange will have first hand experience of how challenging field anthropometry can be. To help with accurate, quick, easy assessment of weight-for-height, clinicians working in the MOYO Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit (NRU), College of Medicine, Malawi have developed a new low-cost slide chart (see picture). This provides step-by-step guidance for classifying a child's nutritional status and referring appropriately. Z-scores need no longer be a mystery for field staff! Inserts are available for both NCHS and the new WHO Growth Standards. Full details are due to be published early 2009 in the TROPICAL DOCTOR journal. In the meantime, In the meantime, the components to make the slide chart are available free to download on http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cihd/research/nutrition/tools. Plans are also moving forward for a low-cost printed version of the chart.

To ensure that the final printed version of the chart best meets your needs, please send comments and feedback to Marko Kerac, UCL Centre for International Health & Development, email: marko.kerac@gmail.com