Question pretext
ANTHROPOMETRY MODULE
Each child is weighed and measured, and the result recorded on his/her questionnaire. Be sure the weight for each child is recorded on the correct questionnaire, checking the child's name and line number at the top of the page. Follow instructions for weighing as you were trained; see Appendix Four, Anthropometric Techniques.
The mother may assist you, if necessary, when you weigh the child. Always insist that the child should be weighed naked, but if this is absolutely impossible, make a detailed list of all pieces of clothing worn by the child during the exam, including diapers, underwear, footwear, headwear, etc.
Weighing (and measuring) should be done only when you have completed the questionnaires for all children in the household. That will allow you to become familiar with the household members. If there is more than one eligible child in a household, complete all weighing and measuring for that child before going on to the next child. If there is more than one mother of eligible children, weigh and measure all her children before proceeding to the next mother's children.
When you weigh and measure, you must control the child. Be firm but gentle with the child. Stay calm. The mother and the child will feel your confidence. Never leave a child alone with a piece of equipment.
Explain the weighing procedure to the mother, and to the child, to help reduce fear. Sometimes, young children are very uncooperative. You must decide if the process is causing undue stress and must be stopped. Do not weigh or measure a child if the mother refuses, or if the child is too sick or distressed.
