Postnatal foot length measurement as a proxy to identify low birth weight for frontline health workers in rural Sindh Province, Pakistan: a diagnostic accuracy study
Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of postnatal foot length (FL) measurements as a proxy to identify low birth weight (LBW) for frontline healthcare workers in rural Sindh Province, Pakistan. Design A community-based cross-sectional study. Setting This study was conducted in the catchment area of Global Network’s Maternal and Newborn Health Registry, Thatta, Sindh Province, Pakistan, from January to June 2023. Participants Singleton live births irrespective of gestational age at birth. Reference standard Birth weight was measured using calibrated digital weighing scales in grams based on the average of three readings with minimal clothing. Index test FL was measured within 48 hours of birth using a rigid transparent plastic ruler in centimetres based on the average of three measurements. Primary outcome Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve with 95% CI were c
