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Pre-knowledge assessment
Choose the most appropriate answer.
9. Which statements below are true regarding height-for-age?
a) It reflects the growth in length or height in comparison to that of an average healthy child of the same age.
b) It is used to identify children who are stunted (short).
c) A low height-for-age is due to prolonged undernutrition or repeated illness.
d) It is used to identify children with acute malnutrition.
e) Children who are tall for their age can also be identified.
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All are correct except d). Height-for-age is used to identify chronic (not acute) malnutrition. Tallness is rarely a problem but excessive tallness may reflect an endocrine disorder.