We computed z-scores for anthropometric measures (weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height) using the Epi-Info (version 3.2, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta Georgia) using CDC 2000 reference population.
We will measure weight-for-length in infants, using standardized weight-for-length z scores [ 75].
This approach resembles the common measure weight-for-age z-scores, used in international studies on undernutrition and child mortality in order to increase comparability of effects independent of underlying differences in distributions (Fishman et al., 2004).
Furthermore, these studies are often limited to cases of diagnosed obesity rather than measured weight for height and do not allow distinction between different degrees of obesity.
A recently published study also from Lusaka found growth faltering, as measured by weight-for-age, among children whose HIV-infected mothers stopped breastfeeding early but no such faltering as measured by length-for-age.
Also, primary and secondary or above education of mothers contributed about 18.9 and 11.8 %, respectively, to inequality in child malnutrition measured by weight-for-age.
The weight gain from birth to 48 months of child's age measured as weight-for-length/height was no significantly different between the groups (figure 3).
Weight, length, and head circumference were measured and weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length Z scores were calculated based on the WHO growth standards [ 22 ].
Other outcomes of interest included change in CD4 cell count; occurrence of ART-related adverse events; death during follow-up; and change in nutritional status as measured by weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight for height z-scores.
The instruments used were a precision scale calibrated periodically for measuring weight and an anthropometer for measuring standing height.
