Field Testing of IAP2015 Charts

Objectives

To field test the IAP2015 (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) charts in different socioeconomic classes; to compare standard deviation scores (Z-scores) of children’s height, weight and body mass index (BMI) for age as computed based on IAP2007 or WHO charts against the IAP2015 references.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the district of Pune on apparently healthy 5–18 y old children from urban affluent, urban underprivileged and rural areas. Anthropometric measurements were performed and parameters were converted into Z-scores.

Results

Urban affluent children were tallest and heaviest whereas urban underprivileged children were shortest. Z-score comparison showed that all children were shortest on WHO references and taller as per IAP2007 references. BMI Z-score was higher on IAP2007 charts and lower on WHO references. Highest number of children were within the reference range on IAP2015 charts among urban affluent. More children were classified stunted on WHO references and least on IAP2007 references. WHO references overestimated wasting and as per IAP2007 charts, less number were wasted. Less number of children were classified as being obese/overweight by WHO and IAP2007 references.

Conclusions

IAP2015 charts are better representative of healthy children of current generation and may be used to prevent inappropriate classification in present scenario.