Comparison of weighing scales for children ages 0 to 59 months in two municipalities in Laguna, Philippines

Maria Theresa M Maria Theresa M Talavera; Divine Grace C Domingo; Nancy A Tandang; Leila S Africa; Angelina R Bustos; Daniel G Salunga; Ellen Ruth F Abella

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Comparison of weighing scales for children ages 0 to 59 months in two municipalities in Laguna, Philippines

Author: Maria Theresa M. Maria Theresa M. Talavera ¹ ; Divine Grace C. Domingo ¹ ; Nancy A. Tandang ² ; Leila S. Africa ¹ ; Angelina R. Bustos ¹ ; Daniel G. Salunga ³ ; Ellen Ruth F. Abella ⁴
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1. Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Region IV-A, 4031;
2. Institute of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Region IV-A, 4031;
3. National Nutrition Council, Nutrition Building, 2332 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Taguig City, Metro Manila 1630; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, 4123; University of Basel, Basel, 4051
4. National Nutrition Council, Nutrition Building, 2332 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Taguig City, Metro Manila 1630;
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: accuracy; anthropometry; Philippines; reliability; technical error of measurement
From: Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):19-39
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Introduction: Accurate weight measurement is critical for assessing growth and nutritional status in children, yet errors due to equipment can affect reliability. This study evaluated reliability of weight measurements obtained by community health workers using four weighing tools: SECA model 878, NutriScale Digital, Tanita model HD-662, and mechanical hanging infant weighing scale. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two municipalities in Laguna, Philippines, where three pairs of end-users measured weight of 80 children aged 0-59 months in house-to-house and stationary setups across rural and urban areas. Inter- and intra-measurer reliability were assessed using correlation coefficients (CC), technical error of measurement (TEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). Benchmark values included TEM <0.1 kg and acceptable %TEM thresholds (≤1.5% intra-measurer; ≤2% inter-measurer). Results: All four tools demonstrated acceptable reliability. NutriScale and Tanita consistently recorded the lowest TEM and %TEM values across settings, followed by SECA, which also met acceptable standards. Variability in measurements, however, was observed between house-to-house and stationary setups, particularly in rural areas. Differences in tool performance appeared influenced not only by the device characteristics but also by contextual factors such as measurer consistency, child’s age, and environmental conditions. Conclusion: Although NutriScale and Tanita showed higher consistency, measurement accuracy cannot be attributed to the scale alone. Field variability, proper calibration, and adequate measurer training remain critical for reliable assessments. Future research with larger samples and age stratification is recommended to better evaluate scale performance and inform tool selection for community-based programmes such as Operation Timbang (OPT).
Full text:2026070215441848188MJN_20Vol_2032(1)_202.mjn.2025.0019_20Divine.pdf