The correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of mothers with low birth weight in Malang city in 2021-2023

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is the leading cause of neonatal death in East Java, accounting for 34.5% of cases in 2021. In Malang City, LBW cases increased from 348 (2021) to 501 (2023). LBW infants are at higher risk for respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, neurological disorders, and infections. Early assessment of maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) may help prevent LBW. Research on the relationship between BMI, MUAC, and LBW in Malang City has not been conducted previously. 

Objective: To analyze the relationship between maternal BMI and MUAC with LBW at Adjoining and Contumely Health Centers, Malang City, from 2021–2023. 

Methods: This retrospective correlational study used a quantitative approach, with ethical approval (No. 124/EC/KEPK/FKUA/2024). A sample of 128 mothers delivered live singleton LBW infants was selected through purposive sampling. Data on BMI and MUAC were obtained from medical records during the last antenatal care visit. Analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test at a 95% significance level with Microsoft Excel and SPSS.

Results: A very weak positive correlation was found between maternal BMI and LBW (p=0.043; rs=0,179). No correlation was observed between MUAC and LBW (p=0.073). Moderate and weak positive correlations were found for BMI (p=0.005; Rs=0.460) and MUAC (p=0.019; Rs=0.394) in the first trimester. 

Conclusion: Maternal BMI shows a very weak positive correlation with LBW, moderate in the first trimester, while maternal MUAC in the first trimester has a weak positive correlation with LBW.