Objective To compare the effects of principal component analysis and Kaup index in evaluating nutritional status of preschool children.
Methods Eight kindergartens were selected randomly in Hefei by using stratified cluster sampling method.Body heights and body weights of children were measured, and their nutritional status were evaluated using principal component analysis and Kaup index respectively according to five-class criteria, then the two methods were compared with method of weight for height.
Results The test of consistency showed that there was consistency between principal component analysis and Kaup index(P < 0.01), meanwhile, McNemar test indicated that there was a significant difference between them in the rate of obesity detected.Principal component analysis showed higher obesity prevalence than Kaup index(3.21% vs.0.63%).
Conclusion Principal component analysis was a better method for evaluating nutritional status of preschool children, especially for evaluating childhood obesity.
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