Association between weight for age and mid-upper arm circumference measurement: findings from Malawi

Anthropometric methods involving measurement of weight-for-height, height-for-age, weight-for-age, and mid-upper arm circumference have been extensively researched to identify an appropriate method of monitoring infant and child growth. Many countries have adopted weight for age as the main practical method. The Malawi Ministry of Health introduced weight for age based upon WHO recommended standards as a growth indicator in 1973. There are, however, difficulties in making the practice widely used at community level. In the present study, confined to the four urban areas of Malawi, a comparison was made between the weight-for-age (W/A) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements. A very good correlation was observed between the two methods of screening for identification of undernourished children from 4 months of age onwards. Correct use of MUAC was found to be as effective as W/A in detecting undernutrition.