Accuracy of foot length in determining gestational age of newborns at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Prematurity is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate identification of newborns at risk and the institution of community-level interventions could reduce morbidity and mortality. Foot length can be an essential tool to assess and refer those requiring specialized care. However, there is a paucity of data assessing its accuracy in MTRH.
Objective: To determine the accuracy of foot length in determining the gestational age and to identify an operational cut-off foot length for preterm and low birth weight babies born at MTRH
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at MTRH.A consecutive sampling method was used to select subjects. A total of 414 neonates were recruited into the study. Ultrasound was used as the gold standard for determining gestational age. Foot length was measured using a digital vernier caliper and a rigid plastic ruler. Birth weight was measured using a digital salter scale. The Area under the curve (AUC) was used to describe the overall accuracy of foot length.
Results: The males were 221(53.4%).59(14.3%) neonates were premature (<37weeks). The mean birth weight was 3019 ± 625 grams. The foot length cut off for identifying premature neonates by Vernier Caliper and the plastic ruler was 7.4 cm with a sensitivity of 83% and Specificity of 86%. The Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) at cut-off by th e vernier caliper was 0.9
Conclusion: The operational cut-off for foot length in identifying preterm babies in MTRH is 7.4 cm and has a good Sensitivity and Specificity