GROWTH SCREENING IN SCHOOLS - AN EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ONE DISTRICT

It has been recommended that all children should have their height and weight measured at school entry, although the disadvantages associate d with screening and the benefits, in terms of a change in outcome, ha ve not been fully established. The measuring equipment used in schools , recording of anthropometric data and adherence to local guidelines w ere assessed across one district. Few schools had the recommended equi pment, problems with accuracy were common and screening coverage was l ow. The achievement of optimal outcome will require a reduction in the gap between local practice and recommended policy: guidelines should recognize difficulties encountered in the field.