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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Relationship between mid upper arm circumference and weight changes in children aged 6-59 months
Paul Binns1, Nancy Dale2, Monsurul Hoq3
1Valid International, Oxford, UK.
Archives of Public Health = Archives Belges De Sante Publique
|December 23, 2015
Summary
Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and weight changes are closely related in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Both measures respond similarly to illness, suggesting MUAC could potentially replace weight for monitoring SAM treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Pediatrics
- Global health
Background:
- Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects millions of children globally.
- Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) programs are crucial for treatment.
- Accurate monitoring of treatment progress is essential for effective CMAM interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between weight and MUAC changes in children (6-59 months) treated for SAM.
- To assess the sensitivity of MUAC and weight to illness episodes during SAM treatment.
- To explore the potential of MUAC as an alternative monitoring tool in CMAM programs.
Main Methods:
- Correlation analysis (Pearson's r) was used to assess MUAC and weight changes in Malawi, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh.
- Statistical tests (two-by-two table, box-plots, Kruskal Wallis) evaluated the impact of illness on MUAC and weight.
- Data were analyzed from both research and field conditions within CMAM programs.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was observed between MUAC and weight gain across all three countries.
- MUAC and weight changes were closely correlated at each outpatient visit, both in research and field settings.
- Illness episodes (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough) similarly and rapidly affected both MUAC and weight measurements.
Conclusions:
- MUAC and weight changes are closely linked during SAM recovery.
- MUAC can be a reliable alternative to weight for monitoring children during outpatient SAM treatment.
- Further research is needed to develop MUAC-based tools for admission, monitoring, and discharge, potentially improving CMAM program reach and child survival.
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