Anthropometry as a predictor for mortality among Ugandan children, allowing for socio-economic variables

Follow-up survey after anthropometric measurements of length, height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in 4320 children of 0-59 months of age in South West Uganda revealed higher mortality rates in children whose anthropometric indices were low. The prediction sensitivity of the indices was MUAC, weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height. MUAC values less than 12.5, 11.5 and 10.5 cm predicted mortality figures of 10.9%, 18.7% and 36.5%, respectively. Low socio-economic status did not affect the prediction capacity of anthropometry, despite poor nutritional states.