Comparison between weight/height ratio and mid arm circumference in assessment of malnutrition

ABSTRACT

Five hundreds of Egyptian children aged one-five years, were selected from O.P.C. of Bab El-Shaaria University Hospital, their weights were below the 5th centile according to NCHS statistic standards; they had no oedema. All children were subjected to complete history, comprehensive examination and anthropometrics; weight, length Mid-arm circumference [M.A.C.] and weight/height ratio [W/H]. Aiming for comparison between M.A.C. and W/H ratio in assessment of degree of wasting among Egyptian children below 5 years of age. Our study verified more or less a linear correlation between the 2 measurements with statistical significance; when we used the currently accepted limits for moderate and severe malnutrition [W/H; 80% and 70%, MAC; 13.5 and 12.5] respectively. However, this correlation was made markedly significant when we were used a new limits for MAC. [13 and 11]. X = 533.68, r = 0.8 p<0.001, the percentage of wasting among the selected children was 35%, and stunting percentage was 19%