Measuring hip circumference Based on EHES Manual Part

Measuring hip circumference

Based on EHES Manual, Part B. Fieldwork Procedures, 2 nd edition (2016) Available at: http: //urn. fi/URN: ISBN: 978 -952 -302 -701 -5 These slides can be used freely, translated and adapted to national use (e. g. concerning the equipment). However, it is important to keep in mind that no changes should be made to the measurement techniques, which need to be standardized.

Equipment • Non-elastic measurement tapes (200 cm and 250 cm) • Full body mirror, if feasible

Quality assurance: Checking Daily: l Check the condition of the measurement tape visually; if there are cracks or the tape is torn, it should be replaced Monthly: l Check the length of the measurement tape by using calibrated length rods; if the measuring tape is stretched, it should be replaced Record the results of checking in the survey log book

Exclusion criteria Hip circumference is not measured, if participant is immobile or in a wheelchair and has severe difficulties in standing straight l is pregnant (over 20 weeks) l refuses l

Clothing • Take the measurement over underwear • Ask the participant to reveal the hip area, by lowering the pants or skirt and lifting the shirt • If the participant refuses or feels uncomfortable to reveal the hip area, take the measurement over light tightly fitting clothing

Posture l Ask the participant to stand straight – a small gap between the legs – weight evenly balanced on both legs – arms hanging loosely beside the body

Hip measurement Place the measuring tape over the buttock at the maximal circumference Check the horizontal position of the measuring tape by asking the participant to turn over l moving around the participant or l checking from the mirror (if available) l

Hip measurement Check that the measuring tape is not too tight or too loose l You should be able to place one finger between the tape and the participant’s body Ask the participant to breathe normally

Record • Measurement to the nearest millimetre • If the measurement was done over other clothing than underwear • Pregnancy weeks, if necessary • Reasons, if not measured • Only measured values, self reported values are not acceptable

Acknowledgements Slides prepared by: Annamari Lundqvist, Hanna Tolonen, Päivikki Koponen Photographs: Hanna Tolonen Measurement demonstration by Liisa Saarikoski, Hanna Valtonen and voluntary participants Experiences and feedback from the EHES network have been utilized in the preparation of these slides Funding: Preparation of the slides is part of the activities of the EHES Coordinating Centre which has received funding from the EC/DG SANTÉ in 2009 -2012 through SANCO/2008/C 2/02 -SI 2. 538318 EHES and Grand Agreement number 2009 -23 -01, and in 2015 -2017 through Grand Agreement number 664691/BRIDGE Health

Disclaimer The views expressed here are those of the authors and they do not represent the Commission’s official position.