Validation of MUAC Cut-Offs of WHO for Diagnosis of Acute Malnutrition among Children under 5 Years in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To validate the WHO recommended Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) cut-offs for acute malnutrition screening in children younger than five in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including an anthropometric examination following WHO guidelines. Height was measured using Stadiometer and Infantometer. The link between MUAC and Weight-for-Height-Z score (WHZ) for different cut-offs of MUAC for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) was shown using Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curves and the Youden index. Sensitivity and specificity of MUAC <11.5 cm and ≥11.5 to <12.5cm were determined using WHZ scores of-3 Standard Deviation (SD) and ≥-3 to