Regression Equations for Birth Weight Estimation using Anthropometric Measurements of Hand and Foot of Hausa new Born Babies in Kano-Nigeria

Abstract

It has long been established that birth weight is a major determinant of infant morbidity and mortality in the first year of life. This is because it is an important predictor and an indicator of newborn morbidity and mortality, and has been accepted as the most reliable index of health status of the community. In this study, Birth Weight has been estimated from anthropometric measurements of hand and foot. Linear regression equations were formed from each of the measured variables. These simple equations can be used to estimate Birth Weight of new born babies, in order to identify those with low birth weight and referred to the appropriate health centre. A sample of 551 neonates (295 males and 256 females) were randomly selected and measured for each of the parameter (hand length, hand breadth, foot length and foot breadth). It was shown that the four measured parameters correlate with Birth Weight at different degrees (Pearson’s correlation analysis was used in calculating the level of significance), and the p - value was significant at 0.01 level (2-tailed). Among the measured variables, foot length had the highest correlation value of 0.657, followed by hand breadth with correlation value of 0.601.Hand length had correlation value of 0.513 and then foot breadth was having the least correlation value of 0.507. This study highlighted a strong correlation between birth weight and the measured variables, and multiple regression equations were formed for each of the measured variables which can be used to estimate birth weight.

Keywords: Hausa, Birth Weight, Hand Length, Hand Breadth, Foot Length, Foot Breadth.