Measured Anthropometrics are Needed in Rural Areas: An Important Role for School Nurses

In a sample of 8th and 11th grade children at one rural school located in Oregon, USA we demonstrate that measured anthropometric values are needed for accurate surveillance of body mass index (BMI). Gender and grade adjusted quantile regression analysis showed the median self-reported BMI (calculated from reported height and weight) was 1.39 ± 0.43 kg/m2 lower than that of measured anthropometric data, p<0.001, and the 75th percentile was 1.90 ± 0.77 kg/m2 lower in self-reported data, p<0.05). The bias in self-reported data increases as BMI increases, underestimating rural population obesity prevalence among youth. School nurses are poised to systematically and longitudinally assess students that may not have regular access to health care.