Accuracy of self-reported height and weight measurements in elderly in Pune: a cross-sectional study

Background: As age increases the height and weight of the person may change. The perceived height and weight may be different than actual measurements thus, may lead to faulty reporting. Hence, it is important to find the accuracy of self-reported measures. Aim was to compare self-reported and measured height and weight in elderly of Pune region. To do gender-wise comparison of self-reported and measured height and weight in elderly of Pune region. To find influence of age on these measurements by finding correlation between age and difference in self-reported and measured values. Methods: Self-reported and measured data for height and weight of 465 individuals above 65 years chosen according to set inclusion criteria was gathered and compared using paired t-test. Results: There was a significant difference in self-reported and measured readings of height and weight in elderly (0.01, <0.0001 for height and weight respectively). Height being over estimated and weight being underestimated. Both genders over estimated height (p=0.0001, <0.0001 for males and females respectively). Females under estimated weight (p=0.2692 for male and <0.0001 for females). As age increases the difference in reporting goes on increasing (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.120 and -0.167 for height and weight respectively). Conclusions: Gender influences reporting of height and weight adversely in elderly. Thus, it is better to take actual measurements of height and weight instead of relying on self-reported values in elderly of Pune region.