title: Measuring acute malnutrition: a need to redefine cut-off points for arm circumference?
abstract: Two relatively age-independent indicators--weight-for-height and mid upper-arm circumference--have been widely used to assess acute malnutrition in drought-affected communities in southern Ethiopia. Compared with weight for height, arm circumference (with cut-off points of 12.5 cm and 13.5 cm) greatly exaggerates acute malnutrition prevalence rates. New cut-off points (11 cm and 13 cm) are therefore proposed which significantly reduce false-positive rates and make weight for height and arm circumference classifications more comparable in the assessment of acute malnutrition.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindtjørn
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005002:Ethiopia; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*