Validity of STRONGkids and MUAC as nutritional screening tools for predicting acute malnutrition among hospitalized children in Accra, Ghana

Background: Malnutrition is commonly reported among hospitalized paediatric patients. However, it often not diagnosed leading toprolonged hospital staysand other medical complications. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the validity ofthe Screening Tool for Risk of Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)for assessing malnutrition in inpatients between ages 6 months 5 years. The weight-for-height (WFH) z-score was used as areference standard evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional design this study. total 96 individuals were enrolled from both Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, located Accra, Ghana. Data collected on demographics, admission details, weight, height, MUAC, length stay. STRONGkids screening tool nutrition risk screening. analysis performed using R version 4.1.0. Descriptive statistics to report frequencies, averages, percentages, deviations, interquartile ranges. Diagnostic values computed MUAC WFH z-scores. Cohen's kappa utilized measure inter-rater agreement, with statistical significance set p < 0.05. Results: Males accounted 59.3%(n = 57/96)of sample. prevalence 30%[n 27/96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 21-39%]. sensitivity specificity 70% (95% CI: 52-86%) 43% 31-55%), respectively. 45% 27-63%) 93% 86-99%), based two blinded assessments, STRONGkids, 0.57 (p= 0.006). Conclusion: revealed that had a low overall degree validity, while high but lower diagnostic values. As result, recommended use or individually pediatric setting, rather conjunction