The efficacy of arm circumference as a substitute for weight in assessment of protein-calorie malnutrition

Abstract

The efficacy of arm circumference in identifying children suffering from different degrees of undernutrition was studied on 605 rural pre-school children, using standards for height, weight and arm circumference obtained on a group of well-to-do healthy children. A 57 and 73% agreement was found in the tests using arm circumference and weight, and weight for height, respectively. Some children, who were severely undernourished on the basis of weight for age, weight for height and muscle circumference were classified as normal based on arm circumference.