An improved prototype of a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) electronic bracelet for mass screening of children malnutrition in low-income countries

Malnutrition is one of the main challenges of public healthcare in low-income countries, particularly in African continent, where it significantly affects child mortality and development. It is responsible for 45% of all children, below 5 years old, deaths. Acute malnutrition is identified by a low weight per height ratio. Commonly it is identified by measuring the MUAC (Mid Upper Arm Circumference); a value below 115 mm identify a severe acute malnutrition, between 115 and 125 mm a mild acute malnutrition. In collaboration with the NGO “Medici con l’Africa CUAMM” in 2024 an electronic bracelet has been developed by the Biodevices Laboratory of the University of Padova. This device has a spring retracted tape that can be wrapped around the patient’s arm. A PCB with microcontroller monitors the tape extraction and display the measured value on an LCD screen. The aim of my thesis is to create a new and improved prototype of MUAC electronic bracelet. The previous version of this device has been largely tested on the field (Italy and Uganda) pointing out all the needed improvements. I improved the design of external shells and internal mechanical components; I write a new firmware improving the measuring system and designed a new electronic board to enhance the power management obtaining a longer battery life. I tested the new device on different size cylindrical samples, pointing out its smaller standard deviation and measurement error.