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The mid-arm circumference in healthy eastern Nigerian children. A nutritional-clinical anthropometric parameter
Insights
Mid-arm circumference (MAC) in Nigerian children aged 2-10 years was assessed to establish growth centiles. Findings support MAC
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Nutrition
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Mid-arm circumference (MAC) is a key indicator of nutritional status in children.
- Establishing country-specific growth references is crucial for accurate assessment.
- Previous studies have highlighted the need for localized anthropometric data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the 3rd, 50th, 90th, and 97th centiles for mid-arm circumference in healthy Nigerian children aged 2 to 10 years.
- To compare these centiles with international standards and correlate MAC with height.
- To evaluate the utility of MAC measurements in nutritional surveillance programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 900 healthy Nigerian children (2-10 years) from the eastern region.
- Mid-arm circumference measurements were taken from the right arm.
- Data were analyzed to generate centile curves and compare with WHO and other international standards.
Main Results:
- Centile graphs for mid-arm circumference were plotted for boys and girls.
- Comparisons were made with established international growth standards.
- A read-off graph correlating mid-arm circumference and height was developed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable reference data for mid-arm circumference in Nigerian children.
- The Shakir strip technique is validated for nutritional assessment.
- A demarking range method is proposed as an alternative for assessing normal values in older children.
Abstract:
The mid-arm circumference in 900 healthy Nigerian children drawn from the eastern part of the country was studied in a cross-sectional fashion from age 2 years to 10 years. The subjects were obtained from schools and maternity centres and the figures were derived from the right arm for the 3rd, 50th, 90th and 97th centiles of these growing children. Graphs were then plotted for the centiles and the means of the male group and the female group. The values were compared with those obtained in other countries and the WHO modified Wolanski's standards. Values were also compared with the height of these growing children and a valuable read-off graph correlating the two parameters plotted. The importance of the MAC in mass survey nutritional campaigns is discussed. The technique of the Shakir strip is upheld and a demarking range method of obtaining normal range values for children above 5 years is suggested as an alternative to the useful Quakir stick technique.