Inconsistencies in the findings of the Bangladesh child nutrition surveys(abstract)

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the reasons of inconsistencies in the findings in the Bangladesh child nutrition surveys. Methodology: Although the regular personnel of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) collected data on anthropometry and age in the previous surveys, 1995-96 data were collected by the locally recruited workers employed for this survey only. Data on 100 children included in the 1995-96 survey were collected also by the BBS personnel independently. A comparison of the data from the two sources formed the basis of this study. Results: The average difference between the two sources (bias) was found to be about 1.8 months in age and 0.13 cm in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). The differences in weight and height were negligible. However, random error was found to be substantial data on height. Conclusion: Bias in age was thought to be mainly responsible for the inconsistencies in malnutrition in different nutrition surveys in Bangladesh. There is a need to develop a tool for collecting data on age accurately, on the basis of a study in a demographic surveillance area where accurate data on age are available. It is also suggested that MUAC should be routinely collected in any nutrition survey until such a tool is fully developed. The importance of accuracy in weight and height data is emphasized