Protocol - Height - Self-Reported Height
Description
The questions in the protocol ask the study subject his or her height.
NOTE: Self-reported height values are considered to be less accurate. Self-reported height is subject to error and is used when measured height cannot be obtained.
Specific Instructions
Three measurement protocols (Standing Height, Recumbent Height, and Knee Height) accommodate various groups of participants. Self-Reported Height should be used as a last resort only.
Several overarching, critical issues for high-quality data collection of anthropometric measures that optimize the data in gene-environment etiologic research include (1) the need for training (and retraining) of study staff in anthropometric data collection; (2) duplicate collection of measurements, especially under field conditions; (3) use of more than one person for proper collection of measurements where required; (4) accurate recording of the protocols and the measurement units of data collection; and (5) use of required and properly calibrated equipment.
The notion of recommending replicate measurements comes from the reduction in random errors of measurement and accompanying improved measurement reliability when the mean of multiple measurements is used rather than the a single measurement. This improvement in measurement reliability, however, depends on the reliability of a single measurement in the hands of the data collectors in a particular study (Himes, 1989). For example, if a measure such as standing height in a given study has a measurement reliability of 0.95 (expressed as an intraclass correlation coefficient), taking a second measurement and using the mean of the two measurements in analyses will improve the reliability to only 0.97, yielding only a 2% reduction in error variance for the additional effort. If, in the same study, the reliability of a single triceps skinfold measurement was 0.85, using the mean, including a replicate measurement, would raise the reliability to 0.92 and yield a 7% reduction in error variance, more than a three-fold improvement compared with recumbent length. Because the benefits of taking replicate measurements are so closely linked with the existing measurement reliability, it is recommended that as a part of the training of those who will be collecting anthropometry data, a reliability study be conducted that will yield measurement reliability estimates for the data collectors, protocols, settings, and participants involved in that particular study (Himes, 1989). If the measurement reliability for a single measurement is greater than or equal to 0.95, the recommendation is that replicate measurement are not necessary and will yield little practical benefit. If the measurement reliability is less than 0.95, the recommendation is to include replicate measurements as prescribed.
If replicate measurements are indicated because of relatively low reliability, a second measurement should be taken, including repositioning the participant. A third measurement should be taken if the first two measurements differ by more than 1.0 cm. If it is necessary to take a third measurement, the two closest measurements are averaged. Should the third measurement fall equally between the first two measurements, all three should be averaged.
Availability
Protocol
Self-Reported Height
1. How tall {are you/is SP†} without shoes?
|___|
1[ ]ENTER HEIGHT IN FEET AND INCHES
2[ ]ENTER HEIGHT IN CENTIMETERS
7[ ]REFUSED
9[ ]DONT KNOW
|___|___|
ENTER NUMBER OF FEET
7777[ ]REFUSED
9999[ ]DONT KNOW
AND
|___|___|
ENTER NUMBER OF INCHES
9999[ ]DONT KNOW
OR
|___|___|___|
ENTER NUMBER OF CENTIMETERS
9999[ ]DON’T KNOW
†When the question is being asked of a proxy respondent, insert the participant’s name here.
*NOTE: Self-reported height values are considered to be less accurate. Self-reported height is subject to error and is used when measured height cannot be obtained.
Personnel and Training Required
None
Equipment Needs
None
Requirements
| Requirement Category | Required |
|---|---|
| Major equipment | No |
| Specialized training | No |
| Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection | No |
| Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual | No |
Mode of Administration
Interviewer-administered questionnaire
Lifestage
Infant, Toddler, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Senior
Participants
This measure includes four protocols, and each protocol relates to the age of the participant and his or her ability to stand up straight. A fourth protocol for self-reported height is included but is considered a protocol of last resort when direct measurement of height or its proxy is not possible.
Standing Height
The standing height protocol is used for participants 2 years of age or older who can stand unassisted.
Recumbent Length
The recumbent length protocol is used for all infants and children from birth through 47 months of age.
Knee Height
The knee height protocol was used for participants 60 years of age or older or for individuals who cannot stand unassisted.
Self-Reported Height*
Study subject aged 16 years or older or by a knowledgeable adult proxy for children younger than 16 years of age.
*NOTE: Self-reported height values are considered to be less accurate and are used only when measured height cannot be obtained.
Selection Rationale
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020 protocols were selected as best practice methodology and are the most widely used protocols to assess self-reported height.
Language
Chinese, English, Spanish
While the English version of this protocol has been updated, the available translations have not and reflect a previous version. These differences may impact the compatibility between the English and Spanish/Chinese versions. It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine if the translations are sufficiently compatible with the English version for their research and subsequent analysis.
Standards
| Standard | Name | ID | Source |
|---|
Derived Variables
None
Process and Review
The PhenX Steering Committee (SC) reviewed this protocol in October 2023. Guidance from the SC includes:
- Updated protocol
Protocol Name from Source
National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) Weight History Questionnaire, 2019-2020
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2019-2020. Weight History - WHQ (Question WHQ.010). Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
General References
None
Protocol ID
20707
Variables
Export Variables| Variable Name | Variable ID | Variable Description | dbGaP Mapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Centimeters_No_Answer | ||||
| PX020707010301 | ENTER NUMBER OF CENTIMETERS | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Centimeters_Number | ||||
| PX020707010300 | ENTER NUMBER OF CENTIMETERS | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Feet_No_Answer | ||||
| PX020707010101 | ENTER NUMBER OF FEET | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Feet_Number | ||||
| PX020707010100 | ENTER NUMBER OF FEET | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Inches_No_Answer | ||||
| PX020707010201 | ENTER NUMBER OF INCHES | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Inches_Number | ||||
| PX020707010200 | ENTER NUMBER OF INCHES | N/A | ||
| PX020707_Height_Self_Reported_Height_Units | ||||
| PX020707010000 | How tall {are you/is SP} without shoes? | N/A | ||
Measure Name
Height
Release Date
September 16, 2024
Definition
Height is the distance from the top of the participant’s head to the heels of his or her feet (i.e., the vertical length).
Purpose
Height or stature is used to assess body size and bone length. Recumbent length is used to measure length of infants, and knee height may be used to estimate height when stature cannot be measured in older adults.
Keywords
Anthropometrics, body mass index, BMI, stature, Waist-to-Height Ratio, WHtR, NHANES, gerontology, aging, geriatrics
Measure Protocols
| Protocol ID | Protocol Name |
|---|---|
| 20701 | Height - Knee Height |
| 20705 | Height - Recumbent Length |
| 20706 | Height - Standing Height |
| 20707 | Height - Self-Reported Height |
Publications
There are no publications listed for this protocol.