Age independent anthropometric index for identifying undernourished children in the age group 5-10 years.

An age-independent anthropometric index to identify undernourished children in the age group of 5-10 years is described. Employing a mathematical approach (linear regression analysis) on data from 238 children, the index was derived to be wt/(ht)2. Employing this index, a classification rule for identifying the undernourished was evolved, using as the 'Gold standard' a WHO classification based on NCHS standards. The sensitivity of the classification rule was 95%, the specificity was 92% and the overall efficiency was 92%.