Development Of Demi-Span Equations For Predicting Height In Institutionalised Malaysian Elderly
Loading...
Date
2012-05
Authors
Ngoh, Hooi Jiun
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Demi-span measurement can be used as an alternative method to predict
height for elderly people. However, there is little data on the accuracy of this method
to be used in institutionalised Malaysian elderly. Therefore, the objectives of this
study were (1) to determine the anthropometric differences among gender, ethnicity
and age groups in institutionalised elderly; (2) to develop a demi-span equation for
predicting height in institutionalised elderly; (3) to evaluate the accuracy of
published demi-span equations derived from younger adults; and (4) to assess the
accuracy of the body mass index (BMI) calculated using the predicted height from
published demi-span equations and that from the new equation developed in this
study. A cross-sectional study was conducted on institutionalised Malaysian elderly
aged 60 and older. Subjects were residents of eight shelter homes in Peninsular
Malaysia; 205 men and 126 women (331 totals), from Malays, Chinese and Indians
ethnic groups were recruited. Measurements of weight, height and demi-span were
obtained using standard procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 18.0.
Results revealed that anthropometric measurements of the subjects (weight, height,
demi-span and body mass index) differ by age and gender (p<0.001), but not
ethnicity (p>0.05). The demi-span equations obtained were as follows: for men,
height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age) + 4.13, and for women,
height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age). Bland-Altman agreement
analysis demonstrated good agreement between measured height and predicted
height from new equations and was valid for BMI assessment.
Description
Keywords
Demi-span measurement can be used , to predict height for elderly people