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Given the potential use of WIC data for monitoring as well as research purposes,
it is critical to evaluate the accuracy of height and weight measurements
recorded by WIC staff. The objective of this study was to examine the validity
of height and weight measurements of PHFE WIC staff, thereby providing evidence
that the use of WIC administrative data is a useful approach for tracking the
obesity epidemic in early childhood. By demonstrating the validity of child
height and weight measurements at PHFE WIC, it is expected that WIC
administrative data systems can join other health system data as valid and
useful systems for tracking the childhood obesity epidemic.
In 2010, with funding from the American Heart Association, UCLA and PHFE WIC
conducted a height-weight validation study in seven PHFE WIC sites in Los
Angeles County.
A sample of 367 children aged 2-5 years were recruited from seven PHFE WIC sites
in LA County, and measured during their WIC recertification visits by trained
research assistants using standardized protocols. These measurements were
compared to measurements taken and recorded by WIC staff during the same WIC
appointment. The investigators concluded that WIC height and weight measurements
are sufficiently accurate to be used for examining child obesity risk.
For more information about this study, please contact
projects@phfewic.org.
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