Study Unit 7.2: part 4 (HMSC 112) Interpreting Growth Measurements and Percentiles

Interpreting Growth Measurements

• Growth measurements are interpreted using percentiles.

What are Percentiles?

• Percentiles indicate how a child's measurements compare to other children of the same age and gender.
• Examples of percentile meanings include:
  • 3rd Percentile: Far below average, meaning 97% of children of the same age and gender are taller or heavier.
  • 15th Percentile: Below average, meaning 85% of children are taller or heavier.
  • 50th Percentile: Average, meaning 50% of children are taller or heavier.
  • 85th Percentile: Above average, meaning only 15% of children are taller or heavier.
  • 95th Percentile: Far above average, meaning only about 5% of children are taller or heavier.

Height-for-Age Percentiles (Boys 5 to 19 Years)

• Growth charts display height-for-age percentiles, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Percentile lines on the chart indicate where a child's height falls relative to their peers (e.g., 3rd, 15th, 50th, 85th, and 97th percentiles).
• Example:
  • A boy aged 11 years and 6 months with a height of 145 cm can be plotted on the chart to determine his height-for-age percentile.
• Reference: 2007 WHO Reference.