Relationship Between Mid-Arm Circumference And Height Of Children 5years And Below In A Semi Urban Community In Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between Mid-arm circumference and height of children 5 years and below.Methodology and results: Mid-arm circumference (MAC) and height of 200 (106 male and 94 female) subjects were measured and compared statistically. The MAC and height of males were greater than that of females. The difference between male and female MAC and height were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). From correlation analysis, the MAC showed positive correlation with height (r = 0.17 and r = 0.18 for males and females respectively). Conclusion and application of findings: The results demonstrate that the MAC of children 5years and below is positive correlation to their length. This could be used to determine the growth rate and nutritional status of children. However, further studies are needed to confirm the positive correlation between MAC and height in older children and adults.