Prevalence and Correlates of Anthropometric Failure Among Children Aged 0–23 Months in India: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey (2019–2021)

The present study assesses the burden of anthropometric failure in Indian children aged 0-23 months using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). It additionally explores socio-economic, maternal, and child-specific determinants. Analyzing NFHS-5 (2019-2021) data, results show that 48% (95% CI: 47.6%, 48.3%) of children face at least one form of anthropometric failure, with stunting being the most prevalent. Children with low birth weight (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.74), those born to undernourished mothers (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.47), children from lower wealth quintiles (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.64, 1.88), and those who reportedly lack a minimum acceptable diet (AOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.22) exhibited a higher prevalence of anthropometric failure. Addressing undernutrition necessitates multifaceted interventions targeting these determinants to improve child nutrition outcomes.