Arm Circumference Measurements Research Articles

Reliability of anthropometric measurements of a digi-board in comparison to an analog height board in Namibian children under 5 years.

Poor measurement quality has set back the utility of anthropometry in defining childhood malnutrition, prompting calls for alternative measurement techniques. This study aimed to assess the reliability of anthropometric measurements using a digital height board in comparison to an analog height board in Namibian children under 5 years of age. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted (n = 425) between the age of 6 and 59 months, using anthropometric measurements of weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference. Two trained enumerators each collected four height measurements of each child: two using an analog height board and two using a digi-board. The repeated height measurements between and within the enumerators were used to determine intra- and interobserver reliability. Reliability of the digi-board was assessed using the technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM (%TEM), intraclass correlation and a Bland-Altman analysis to assess the agreement between the two methods. In all these assessments, the analog height board was considered as the gold standard and used for comparison. The digi-board showed superiority to the analog height board in terms of reliability (analog TEM = 0.22, digi-board TEM = 0.16). Although the digi-board has potential to improve child anthropometry, further clinical and large survey studies are needed to validate the used of this tool in routine population-based surveys.

Inter-observer reliability and anatomical landmarks for arm circumference to determine cuff size for blood pressure measurement.

Accurate arm circumference (AC) measurement is required for accurate blood pressure (BP) readings. Standards stipulate measuring arm circumference at the midpoint between the acromion process (AP) and the olecranon process. However, which part of the AP to use is not stipulated. Furthermore, BP is measured sitting but arm circumference is measured standing. We sought to understand how landmarking during AC measurement and body position affect cuff size selection. Two variations in measurement procedure were studied. First, AC was measured at the top of the acromion (TOA) and compared to the spine of the acromion (SOA). Second, standing versus seated measurements using each landmark were compared. AC was measured to the nearest 0.1cm at the mid-point of the upper arm by two independent observers, blinded from each other's measurements. In 51 participants, the mean (±SD) mid-AC measurement using the anchoring landmarks TOA and SOA in the standing position were 32.4cm (±6.18) and 32.1cm (±6.07), respectively (mean difference of 0.3cm). In the seated position, mean arm circumference was 32.2(±6.10) using TOA and 31.1(±6.03) using SOA (mean difference 1.1cm). Kappa agreement for cuff selection in the standing position between TOA and SOA was 0.94 (p<0.001). The landmark on the acromion process can change the cuff selection in a small percentage of cases. The overall impact of this landmark selection is small. However, standardizing landmark selection and body position for AC measurement could further reduce variability in cuff size selection during BP measurement and validation studies.

Assessment of physical fitness among people over 60 years of age

Introduction: An ageing of population is becoming more and more common. With age, the functionality and efficiency of the body decreases. As a result, the time spent by seniors on physical activity is shortened and physical fitness decreases. For this reason, the physical fitness of seniors should be regularly checked and they should be encouraged to take up physical activity. There are many proven and reliable tests used to assess physical fitness. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 40 people (31 women and 9 men), aged 60-78 years. The tests used in following study were: the SPPB questionnaire, handgrip strength test, and arm and calf circumference measurements. An attempt was made to find sociodemographic factors that could influence the level of physical fitness. It was checked whether physical fitness and physical activity depend on age, gender and BMI. It was checked how much time older people spend on physical activity during the day and week. The study confirmed that physical fitness decreases with age. Results: Tests and interviews have shown that people who spend more than 60 minutes a day on physical activity achieve higher scores on the SPPB questionnaire. These results were applicable to both women and men. Studies in a larger and more diverse population would need to be repeated in order to further confirm these results and draw more conclusions.

The magnitude and associated factors of immediate postpartum anemia among women who gave birth in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023

BackgroundThe immediate postpartum period is a very crucial phase for both the life of the mother and her newborn baby. Anemia is the most indirect leading cause of maternal mortality. However, anemia in the immediate postpartum period is a neglected public health problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled magnitude of immediate postpartum anemia and the pooled effect size of associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodsSearching of published studies done through PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, African index Medicus, List of Reference Index, Hinari, and Google Scholar. This systematic review and meta-analysis follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) godliness. The quality of studies was assessed by using a Newcastle- Ottawa Scale (NOS) assessment tool. Analysis was performed using a random effect model by using STATA 17 version software. Egger’s weighted regression and I2 test were used to evaluate publication bias and heterogeneity respectively.ResultsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of 6 studies were included. The pooled magnitude of immediate postpartum anemia in Ethiopia was 27% (95%CI: 22, 32). Instrumental mode of delivery (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 2.03, 4.24), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement < 23 cm (OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.35, 5.03), Antepartum Hemorrhage (OR = 4.75, 95%CI: 2.46, 7.03), postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 4.67, 95%CI: 2.80, 6.55), and no iron/foliate supplementation (OR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.85, 3.60) were the identified factors associated with developing anemia in the immediate postpartum period.ConclusionThe overall pooled magnitude of anemia in the immediate postpartum period among Ethiopian women was still a moderate public health problem. Instrumental mode of delivery, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement < 23 cm, antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, and no iron/foliate supplementation were the identified factors associated with higher odds of developing anemia among immediate postpartum women in Ethiopia. Therefore, midwives, and doctors, shall focus on prevention of maternal hemorrhage, nutritional advice and counseling including iron /foliate supplementation, and avoid unnecessary instrumental delivery to prevent and reduce anemia related maternal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia.PROSPERO registrationCRD42023437414 with registration date on 02/08/2023.

Nutritional Status of Children Under 5 Years Using Gomez's Classification

Objective: To assess the malnutrition status of the children &lt;5 years of age in the Uttarakhand region. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional research study on 55 children aged &lt;5 years was conducted in the Hasanpur and Mandawar village. The data was collected by using tools like socio demographic profile, breast feeding practices and Anthropometric assessment like height, weight, BMI and MUAC) of the children. Gomez's Classification was centred on assessing wasting in children. Result: The result showed that out of 55 children 10.9% showed mild wasting, 43.63% moderate wasting and 40% showed severe wasting. The assessment of Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements in children indicated that 8% displayed severe malnutrition, 27% exhibited moderate malnutrition, and 65% maintained a normal nutritional status. 43.63 % were moderately underweight and were severely underweight. Breastfeeding was received by 86.6% of the children. Conclusion: The study conclude that most of the children were malnourished.

Prevalence and Determinants of Childhood Obesity among Primary School Pupils in Edo State: A Cross-Sectional Study

Childhood obesity is a global health concern associated with various adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood obesity and explore the factors contributing to obesity among primary school pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 1,805 pupils from sixteen schools in Edo State. Data on body composition, including weight, height, arm circumference, and skin folds measurements, were collected by qualified nurses and research assistants. Additionally, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a food consumption pattern questionnaire (FCPQ) were administered to assess the pupils' food consumption patterns. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23, including frequency distributions, percentage distributions, mean, standard deviations, chi-square and independent samples t-test statistics. The study found out that 14% of pupils in the state were obese, and that skipping lunch, eating alone and engaging in physical activities after school had a significant relationship with the prevalence of obesity (p = 0.049, 0.040 and 0.035 respectively). Also, children in urban areas had a higher likelihood of obesity compared to those from rural areas (p &lt; 0.000), while girls exhibited slightly higher prevalence of obesity compared to boys, though the difference is insignificant (p = 0.769). The study concluded that the prevalence of childhood obesity is high in Edo State of Nigeria, and that the determinants of this prevalence include dietary patterns, cultural factors, and gender. Keywords: Childhood obesity, prevalence, determinants, primary school pupils, Edo State, Nigeria

Completion of a Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam with hospitalized adults and pediatric patients: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) feasibility is not well-studied. We describe registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)-reported NFPE completion for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients overall and by assessment parameters. Trained RDNs systematically conducted NFPEs for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients during the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Indicators to diagnose Malnutrition multisite cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03928548). RDNs reported their ability to evaluate assessment sites for subcutaneous fat and muscle loss, fluid accumulation, and micronutrient status and to complete handgrip strength (adults and children ≥6 years) and mid-upper arm circumference measurements (children). RDNs noted if they could complete the full NFPE; if not, they noted challenges. We descriptively summarized results and used multilevel logistic regression models to examine relationships between patient characteristics and NFPE completion. RDNs from 39 adult and 29 pediatric US hospitals conducted NFPEs for 327 adults and 214 children aged 1 month to 17.9 years. RDNs reported completing the examination for 44% (n = 145) of adults and 15% (n = 33) of children. They successfully evaluated 25 of 27 and 19 of 26 unique NFPE components in >80% of adults and children, respectively. Common reasons the full NFPE was not completed were limited mobility in adults and patient refusal in children. RDNs had lower odds of completing NFPEs in adults with lower vs higher education levels or higher vs lower nutrition complexity and in younger vs older children. RDNs evaluated NFPE components for a high proportion (>80%) of hospitalized patients.

Factors Affecting Chronic Energy Deficiency among Pregnant Women in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal and household characteristics with the Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) occurrence among pregnant women in East Nusa Tenggara (ENT). CED was observed through Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement of &lt;23.5 cm. Utilizing a cross-sectional design using secondary data from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas) involving 387 pregnant women. Bivariate analysis (chi-square test) and multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression) were conducted. Significant associations with the CED included parity (p=0.002), education level (p=0.018), access to hospital (transportation mode) (p=0.032), and access to primary healthcare facilities (travel time) (p=0.032). Multivariate analysis identified parity as the most influential variable for the CED occurrence among pregnant women (p=0.016; OR=1.868). In conclusion, mothers with a parity of less than two or more than three children had a higher risk of experiencing CED during pregnancy in ENT. To prevent CED and its consequences, it is recommended to emphasize family planning, address parity concerns, and prioritize maternal nutritional status before and during pregnancy.

Association between nutritional risk status and both diaphragmatic dysfunction and diaphragm atrophy in medical ıntensive care unit patients.

Aim: critical illness often leads to malnutrition and diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD), common in intensive care units (ICU). Ultrasonography (US) is a potent tool for detecting DD. This study examines the connection between malnutrition risk and DD in ICU patients using ultrasonographic diaphragm measurements in medical ICU patients. Methods: we assessed nutritional risk using risk screening tools and mid-upper arm circumference measurements (MUAC). Diaphragm atrophy (DA) and DD were evaluated by measuring diaphragmatic excursion (DE), thickness, and thickening fraction (TF) by US. We then compared these diaphragmatic measurements in patients based on their nutritional risk scores. Results: of the fifty patients studied, 54 % to 78 % were at risk of malnutrition, 28 % exhibited diaphragm atrophy (DA), and 24 % showed DD upon ICU admission. Malnutrition risk diagnosed by all nutritional risk screening tools was significantly more frequent in patients with DD, while diagnosed by MUAC was considerably higher in patients with DA. A total of 16 patients (32 %) died during their ICU stay, with DD, DA, and malnutrition risks (as identified by the mNUTRIC Score) being more prevalent among non-survivors (p < 0.05). Malnutrition risk (as determined by the mNUTRIC Score) was an independent risk factor for DD [OR (95 % CI): 6.6 (1.3-34), p = 0.03]. Conclusion: malnutrition risk may be significantly associated with DD and DA in medical ICU patients upon ICU admission.

Association between Pre-Conception Health and Nutrition Knowledge- Attitude-Practice and Anemia among Pre-Marital Women in Sleman, Indonesia

The study aimed to assess the association between pre-conception health and nutrition Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) and anemia among Pre-Marital Women (PMW). In this cross-sectional study, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement, 24-hour food recall interview, blood sample collection, and validated KAP questionnaire interview were conducted to 111 PMW in Sleman in 2021. The study found that 21.6%, 14.4%, and 49.1% of PMW had Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), anemia, and lack of minimum dietary diversity, respectively. The proportions of PMW with adequate KAP were 70.5%, 67.8%, and 64.3%, respectively. Pre-conception health and nutrition practices are associated with anemia (p&lt;0.05), but knowledge and attitude are not.

Hospital malnutrition prevalence through arm circumference measurement

Hospital malnutrition prevalence through arm circumference measurement

The effectiveness of facility-based management of children with Severe acute malnutrition and their determinants in Jharkhand, India: A retrospective study.

Children with Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) experience a high risk of disease and developmental delays contributing to large scale morbidity and mortality particularly in the developing world with existing progress inadequate to attain the Sustainable Development Goal for improved nutrition, and the cessation of all forms of undernourishment by 2030.The study objective was to assess the functioning and effectiveness of facility-based management of children with SAM in terms of their recovery (anthropometric indicators), adherence to discharge, and follow-up guidelines. This secondary data analysis obtained data from the physical patient registers of two malnutrition treatment centres (MTCs) located in the Jamtara district of Jharkhand. Information of 245 children admitted to these MTCs from April 2019-April 2020 was obtained consecutively including anthropometric outcome (weight, length, and Mean Upper Arm Circumference) measurements during the period of their admission. The primary outcome was the proportion of children who attained the recommended discharge criterion of greater than 15% weight gain at the time of discharge. The mean (SD) age of the children with SAM was 1.52 (0.73) years including 55.1% females and 44.9% males. There were 38% of children had a MUAC below 11.5 cm, and 62% had a Z score for weight for height below -3SD. The mean (SD) length of admission stay at the MTCs was 17.16 (5.76) days. A statistically significant improvement in the mean weight and MUAC at discharge was found although the effect size was small (0.98 kg). Only 105 (44.3%) (n=237) children with SAM achieved recovery as per the discharge criterion requirement of ≥15% weight gain since the time of admission. The mean (SD) duration of stay of the children who recovered was 20.43 (5.64) days, being significantly higher compared to the children who failed to recover as per the weight guidelines 14.59 (4.4) days (p < 0.001). MTCs were effective in the management of children with SAM although the recovery rate through weight gain criterion was poor due to premature discharge and lack of follow-up suggestive of a high-burden of adverse social determinants and inadequate health system sensitization and preparedness.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Under Five Years Children in Kolati Bhumlu of Kavrepalanchok District

Background: The nutritional status of children is one of the major indicators of child survival and a proxy indicator for the general health of the population. Malnutrition is a significant public health issue in the majority of developing nations and is particularly prevalent among children under five years of age. Mortality and morbidity among children under-five years of age are influence by nutritional status. The context of Nepal, more than one-third (36%) of children under-five years of age stunted or too short for their age. 10% of children wasted (too thin for height), a sign of acute malnutrition. 27% of children underweight or too thin for their age. These children had greater risk of severe acute malnutrition and death. Objective: Study’s objective was to assess the nutritional status of under-five year’s children and factors associated with malnutrition. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Kolati Bhumlu of Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. A total of 115 under-five year’schildren and their mothers were included in study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version16 was used to analyze the data. Result: The prevalence of underweight was found to be 28.7% according to the classification of malnutrition based on Z- score .Similarly, the prevalence of wasting was found to be 18.3% and the prevalence of stunting was found to be 29.6%. According to Gomez’s malnutrition classification (NCHS/WHO as standard) for Weight for age (underweight) 3.5% children were severely malnourished. According to Water-low’s classification, regarding the height for age (stunting) 9.6% children were severely malnourished. Regarding MUAC measurement 7.8% children had severe malnutrition. The Gender of the child was associated with stunting. Conclusion: In the study population, the high prevalence of malnutrition especially stunting among under-five years children. Taking weight, height, age, and mid- upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements of malnourished children more than three-fifths of them were below -2SD and nearly one-fourths were below -3SD which needs intervention.

Pengukuran Lingkar Lengan Atas pada Wanita Usia Subur di Kabupaten Jayawijaya

Measurement of Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is one form of an indicator used to assess the status of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnant and adult women. The purpose of the Community Engagement Program (CEP) is to conduct nutritional status screening on Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) through MUAC measurement in Jayawijaya Regency. The CEP was conducted in Napua District, Jayawijaya Regency, in October 2022, targeting 110 WRA aged between 15 and 49 years. The activities were carried out through data collection, community education, and the practice of MUAC measurement on WRA. The results of this program found that approximately 71% of WRA had MUAC measurements greater than 23.5 cm, and there was an increase of about 18.1% in knowledge about CED. Additionally, there was a 24.5% increase in WRA's knowledge in conducting MUAC measurements before and after the intervention. The screening also identified a small percentage of WRA with nutritional status below 23.5 cm. The education and practice of MUAC measurement were found to have a significant impact on increasing WRA's knowledge. Therefore, the CEP recommends periodic education provided by nutrition experts during every integrated health post activity and conducting door-to-door visits for pregnant women with CED. Furthermore, there is a need for an increase in the provision of Supplementary Food (SF) such as biscuits and local food.

Rotavirus and bacterial diarrhoea among children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Burden, risk factors and seasonality.

Diarrhoea is a leading cause of death among under-five children globally, with sub-Saharan Africa alone accounting for 1/3 episodes yearly. Viruses, bacteria and parasites may cause diarrhoea. Rotavirus is the most common viral aetiology of diarrhoea in children less than five years globally. In Nigeria, there is scarce data on the prevalence/importance, burden, clinical/risk factors and seasonality of rotavirus and bacteria and this study aims to determine the role of rotavirus and bacteria on diarrhoea cases in children less than five years in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data, environmental/risk factors and diarrhoiec stool samples were collected from children less than five years presenting with acute diarrhoea. Rotavirus was identified using ELISA. Bacteria pathogens were detected using cultural technique and typed using PCR. Diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Pathogen positive and negative samples were compared in terms of gender, age-group, seasonal distribution, and clinical/risk factors using chi-square with two-tailed significance. SPSS version 20.0.1 for Windows was used for statistical analysis. At least one pathogen was detected from 63 (60.6%) children having gastroenteritis while 28 (44.4%) had multiple infections. Rotavirus was the most detected pathogen. Prevalence of rotavirus mono-infection was 22%, multiple infection with bacteria was 45%. Mono-infection prevalence of DEC, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. were 5.8% (6/104), 5.8% (6/104), and 2.9% (3/104) and co-infection with RVA were 23.1% (24/104), 21.2% (22/104) and 10.6% (11/104) respectively. All rotaviral infections were observed in the dry season. The pathotypes of DEC detected were STEC and EAEC. Parent earnings and mid-upper arm circumference measurement have statistical correlation with diarrhoea (p = 0.034; 0.035 respectively). In this study, rotavirus was more prevalent than bacteria and occurred only in the dry season. Among bacteria aetiologies, DEC was the most common detected. Differences in seasonal peaks of rotavirus and DEC could be employed in diarrhoea management in Nigeria and other tropical countries to ensure optimal limited resources usage in preventing diarrhoea transmission and reducing indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

The Use of the Arm Circumference as a Measure to Detect Underweight in Individuals Aged 60 Years or Older Living in Costa Rica

[Objective]: This investigation focuses on the association between arm circumference and body mass index, and the estimation of cutoff values of this arm measurement for identifying low weight in Costa Rican residents aged 60 years and over. [Methods]: The study included a total of 2514 persons 60 years old or older who participated in the project “Costa Rica: Study of Longevity and Healthy Aging.” The analysis included calculation of Spearman’s correlation coefficient between arm circumference and the body mass index, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and sensitivity and specificity values for measurements of arm circumference corresponding to a body mass index lower than 22 kg/m2. [Results]: The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the body mass index and the arm circumference was 0.794 (0.774 for men and 0.806 for women). The optimum cutoff point was estimated at 26.5 cm, with a Youden’s Index of 0.7256, a sensitivity of 87.79 %, and a specificity of 84.77 %. Specific cutoff points for men and women were 26.5 cm and 25.9 cm, respectively. [Conclusions]: There is a strong relationship between arm circumference and body mass index in Costa Rican residents aged 60 years and over. A first approach was established to determine an adequate cutoff point in the measurement of arm circumference that will allow the detection of persons with low weight and greater nutritional risk in this population.

An Evaluation of Mid-upper Arm Circumference Measurement in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-up Population

An Evaluation of Mid-upper Arm Circumference Measurement in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-up Population

Use of Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Measurement Among Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Use of Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Measurement Among Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

A cross-sectional study on the nutritional status, dietary diversity, and small fish consumption patterns in coastal fishing communities of Ghana

Fish is readily available to fishing communities. Given the high nutritional value of fish, these communities are expected to have better nutritional status, compared to non-fishing communities. However, this assumption is not well studied across coastal fishing communities in Ghana. Hence, this cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the nutritional status, dietary patterns, and fish consumption of children living in coastal fishing communities in Ghana. Nutritional status of 384 randomly selected children was assessed using the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. MUAC less than 12.5 cm was used as the cutoff to identify malnourished children. Food and fish consumption patterns were assessed using an adopted and pretested food frequency questionnaire. The findings showed a prevalence of 0.5% wasting among surveyed children. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) of the study participants was 4.3 ± 1.2. The mean DDS of the children of fisher mothers was less than that of the children of the female caregivers who are involved in other occupations. However, no significant difference was observed in the DDS across the coastal regions. Seventy eight percent of the children who participated in the study consumed an adequately diversified diet, and more than 40 different small fish species were consumed across the four coastal regions. The average median weekly fish intake among the children in the study sample was 213 (64–468) g. Considering that one-third of the employed respondents were fisherfolk, coupled with the availability of a great diversity of small fish in the communities, the findings of our study suggest that there is great potential to incorporate small fish into strategic interventions aimed at improving nutrition, food security, and achieving economic sustainability in these communities.

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement usage among children with disabilities: A systematic review.

Background: Anthropometric measurements, including mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), are used for monitoring and evaluating children's nutritional status. Evidence is limited on optimal nutritional assessment for children with disabilities, who are at high risk for malnutrition. Aim: This study describes MUAC use among children with disabilities. Methods: Four databases (Embase, Global Health, Medline, and CINHAL) were searched from January 1990 through September 2021 using a predefined search strategy. Of the 305 publications screened, 32 papers were included. Data included children 6 months to 18 years old with disabilities. Data including general study characteristics, methods for MUAC measurement, terminology, and measurement references were extracted into Excel. Due to heterogeneity of the data, a narrative synthesis was used. Results: Studies from 24 countries indicate that MUAC is being used as part of nutritional assessment, but MUAC measurement methods, references, and cutoffs were inconsistent. Sixteen (50%) reported MUAC as a mean ± standard deviation (SD), 11 (34%) reported ranges or percentiles, 6 (19%) reported z-scores, and 4 (13%) used other methods. Fourteen (45%) studies included both MUAC and weight-for-height but nonstandard reporting limited comparability of the indicators for identifying those at risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: Although its speed, simplicity, and ease of use afford MUAC great potential for assessing children with disabilities, more research is needed to understand its appropriateness, and how it performs at identifying nutritionally high-risk children in comparison to other measures. Without validated inclusive measures to identify malnutrition and monitor growth and health, millions of children could have severe consequences for their development.