Mid-upper arm circumference only protocol in Pakistan: missed opportunities for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition? A mixed-methods observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We investigated the missed treatment opportunities affecting programmes using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as the sole anthropometric criterion for identification and monitoring of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Design

Alongside MUAC, we assessed weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) in children screened and treated according to the national MUAC only protocol in Pakistan. Besides, we collected parents' perceptions regarding the treatment received by their children through qualitative interviews.

Setting

Data were collected from October to December 2021 in Tando Allah Yar District, Sindh.

Subjects

All children screened in the health facilities (n 8818) and all those discharged as recovered (n 686), throug

SUBMITTER: Guesdon B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10830331 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature