Perímetro del brazo según estatura como indicador del estado nutricional en relación a indicadores de dimensiones corporales. Centros Infantiles del Buen Vivir, cantón Guano, provincia de Chimborazo, 2013.

Abstract

This investigation proposal is to demonstrate the Arm/Height circumference use as an anthropometric indicator of high correlation, sensibility and specificity related to other ones. This study was carried out at “Buen Vivir” children’s centers chosen in Guano Canton by means of cross-sectional and non-experimental study. The sample was 86 children under 5 years old. A scale, a height rod, an anthropometric tape and a dermatograph pencil were used in order to collect the data. The data tabulation was carried out in Software (World Head Organization) WHOANTHRO of children under 5 years old to get graphics through data transformed in PZ of weight- for- height, height- for- age weight- for- age. An arm circumference correlation ratio was gotten in the Software Excel/XLSTAT (Getting started) according to the height in relation to indicator weight-for-height, Height- for- age and Weight- for- age. The arm circumference sensitivity and specificity in relation to the body dimension indicators were gotten in the Software EpiDat 3.1. (Quaker arm circumference) QUAC modified-meter reference values were also used according WHO so children were classified as moderate, severe and normal undernourished. In the arm/height circumference correlation test it had a grade of correlation classified as high and positive in relation to Weight/Age with 0,99 and Weight/Height with 1. Besides in relation to Height/Age it was 0,60 moderate and positive. Although the Arm/Height Circumference sensitivity data were lower than specificity data it was observed that the Weight/Height was 16,3% sensitivity and 83,7% Specificity, Height/Age 59,3%, sensitivity and 83,7% Specificity, Weight/Age 18,6% sensitivity and 83,7% Specificity, however it detected proportionally to the children who suffered malnutrition. The Arm/Weight Circumference can be used in populations where it is pretended to detect malnutrition and age and weight are unknown.