Full Title

Meaning of linear growth: Appropriate use of growth as a measure in development of children and adolescents

Session Overview

This learning lab provides understanding of how linear growth can and should be used to measure development of children and adolescents grounded in evidence on processes, determinants, and outcomes. After presenting the history of using growth to measure healthy development, concepts on measures and indicators are applied to different uses of linear growth: evaluating impact and catch-up growth and monitoring prevalence of adolescent growth. Then, we discuss the meaning of linear growth retardation, differentiating outcomes to which poor linear growth is causally linked and for which growth is instead a marker, and draw conclusions regarding the appropriate use of linear growth to measure development.

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Participants will:
1. Know the history of using linear growth.
2. Understand the difference between methods of measurement, measures, and indicators.
3. Appreciate the importance of defining the purpose of using measures and indicators: (a) is the purpose to make statements about individuals vs groups of individuals? (b) is the purpose to estimate the prevalence, monitor, assess impact, target, etc?
4. Know the scientific evidence on the impact of poor linear growth on other outcomes.
5. Understand how the available evidence changes how linear growth should be used in development.

Target Audience

Nutrition programmers, funders, scientists

Format

Lecture, group work, Q&A

Level & Prerequisites

Advanced - participants must have experience analysing, using, or interpreting child length/height data