Comparison Between Mid-arm Circumference and Height of School Children 3-5 Years in Jos University Primary School

Abstract

The use of anthropometric data for assessing nutritional status has been internationally accepted as a standard practice. Mid arm circumference and height are examples of such parameters used. The aim of this study is to compare and possibly establish a relationship between mid-arm circumference and height of children (3 to 5 years old) and evaluate them as a simple and reliable alternative for determining the nutritional status of children. Mid arm circumference and height of 195 randomly selected pupils consisting of 97 males and 98 females were measured and statistically compared with their means and standard deviations. There was a slight difference in the means of male and female subjects, though not statistically significant. The difference in mean heights of males and females compared across age groups showed marked significance. With a correlation coefficient of r=0.001 (P>0.01), there exists a positive correlation between the mid arm circumference and height of children 3 to 5 years. This can be used to determine the rate of growth as well as the nutritional status of children.