The accuracy of mid-upper-arm circumference to estimate body mass index in Indonesian adults

Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) is an alternative parameter to estimate body mass index (BMI) that is easy, simple, and more comfortable to measure in people who cannot stand for the measurement. This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of BMI estimated using an equation from the previous study. The subject was selected by random sampling. The subject had their age, weight, height, and MUAC recorded. Actual BMI and estimated BMI were calculated from the data. The relationship between actual BMI and MUAC was analyzed using the Spearman correlation. Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the difference between actual BMI and estimated BMI. Mean difference analysis was used to assess the tendency of under or overestimation. Sixty-five subjects volunteered with the age range 22-50 years. A solid positive (r = 0.816) and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between BMI and MUAC was found in this study. There was no difference (p #x003D; 0.930) between actual BMI and estimated BMI. The mean difference (-0.28 kg/m2) between actual BMI and estimated BMI showed the tendency of underestimate. Mulyasari’s equation can be used as an alternative equation to estimate BMI in Indonesian adults when it is impossible to measure the subject in a standing position.