Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) assessment is suitable for any persons above 6 months, though it is commonly used among children 6 – 59 months. It is a useful screening tool that aids in identifying persons at risk of malnutrition. The MUAC tape used for different age groups varies in size. When assessing malnourished children in a community, this tape is usually used. The tape has 3 colours that indicate the severity of malnutrition.These include the red , yellow and green colours.
When taking measurements, ensure that :
The child does not have any clothing on left arm. Assist the child to bend his or her arm at 90 degrees. Determine the mid-point of the arm -the distance between the crest of the shoulder and elbow joint.
Interpret the values as follows:
Severe acute malnutrition(SAM)
This is marked by the red colour.
Children 6–59 months < 115 mm
Children 5–9 years < 135 mm
Children 10–14 years < 160 mm
Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM)
This is marked by the yellow colour.
Children 6–59 months ≥ 115 to < 125 mm
Children 5–9 years ≥ 135 to < 145 mm
Children 10–14 years ≥ 160 to < 185 mm
Normal nutritional status
This in the green zone.
Children 6 –59 months ≥ 125 mm
Children 5–9 years ≥ 145 mm
Children 10–14 years ≥ 185 mm
A referral to the nearest health centre should be requested for children whose mid-upper arm circumference lies within the yellow or red parts of the tape .Those whose values are within the red are severely malnourished and should be referred for therapeutic feeding while those in the yellow are moderately malonurished and should be provided with supplementary feeding .