A Cross-Sectional Study for Measuring Undernutrition Through Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) Among Indian Children

Children's undernourishment remains a severe public health concern and is one of the main causes of illness and early mortality among children of under-five. The analysis in focus was intent to measure the prevalence of and factors associated with nutritional status of under-five children by using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). Current cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 749 children which were selected through cluster sampling methodology. Field staff has been trained in all aspects of data collection including taking consent and measurements. Assessment of the nutritional status of the children was computed through CIAF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the leading factors associated with undernutrition. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 54.5% among under five children according to CIAF while 9.6% experienced wasting only, 8.8% were classified as both wasting and underweight, 7.2% as wasting underweight and stunting, 11.9% stunting and underweight, 8.0% stunting only and 8.9% underweight only. Most of the mothers were educated to secondary and above level, 55% working mothers, around 40% mothers have age at the time of delivery was 26 years and above. It was observed that female children were more likely to suffer from undernutrition than male children. Children age (13 – 24 Months): [aOR:1.48, CI: 1.10-1.86]; female child: [aOR:2.88, CI: 1.65-4.97]; family monthly income of up to INR 15,000 [aOR: 2.46, CI: 1.77-4.82], underweight mother: [aOR: 2.01, CI: 1.18-3.21]; mother’s education above secondary level: [aOR: 2.68, CI: 1.29-3.01], working mother: [aOR: 1.95, CI: 1.57-2.89], and age of introducing complementary food: [aOR: 1.88, CI: 1.62-2.36] were significantly associated with anthropometric failure among children. Most of the children under five experience anthropometric failure. CIAF is a helpful resource that offers a comprehensive image of the prevalence of undernutrition. However, more evidence is required in similar settings to confirm its usefulness.