Diagnostic Accuracy of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for Screening Maternal Malnutrition: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study from Eastern India

The study evaluated the use of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as a screening tool for maternal malnutrition in a community setting in eastern India. A total of 337 pregnant women from rural health centres were enrolled in the study. Results showed that according to body mass index, 21.4% of women were underweight, while MUAC classified 38.3% as having moderate malnutrition and 0.6% as having severe acute malnutrition. When detecting undernutrition, MUAC demonstrated 94.4% sensitivity and 76.4% accuracy. The optimal cut-off value for undernutrition was established at 22.8 cm and for overnutrition at 24.8 cm. The study concluded that MUAC may be a useful screening tool for maternal malnutrition, particularly in community-based and resource-limited settings.