MUAC Z-Score: Tool for Early Detection of Child Malnutrition

• Autores: Alvarado Álvarez, Alexandra María, Quezada Muñoz , Ana Gissela, Valdez Palacios , Ivette Carolina, Tenesaca Loja , Alisson Eleana
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad José Carlos Mariátegui
• Repositorio: Revista ciencia y tecnología para el desarrollo UJCM
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:ojs.revistas.ujcm.edu.pe:article/324
• Enlace del recurso: https://revistas.ujcm.edu.pe/index.php/rctd/article/view/324
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: MUAC Z-Score; Malnutrición infantil; Detección temprana; Circunferencia media brazo; Salud pública

The objective of this study is to analyze the importance of the MUAC Z-Score tape as a tool for the early detection of malnutrition in children under five years of age. A qualitative bibliographic review was conducted, applying specific inclusion criteria and considering scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 in indexed databases. The results indicate that the MUAC Z-Score tape is a valid, economical, and practical tool, especially in rural areas where access to traditional anthropometric equipment is limited, allowing for a rapid identification of undernutrition and overnutrition through the measurement of mid-upper arm circumference. In conclusion, the implementation of MUAC Z-Score in community health programs can significantly improve the early detection of child malnutrition, although institutional support is needed to maximize its impact on reducing associated morbidity and mortality.