Assessment of Nutritional Status Using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure Among Children Aged < 5 Years and its Correlates

Abstract

Background: Childhood malnutrition remains a significant public health issue in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan and globally. Effective policy formulation and action in under-resourced countries require a thorough and accurate evaluation of the malnutrition situation.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital involving 419 children under 5 years of age, selected through nonprobability convenience sampling. Anthropometric measurements were entered into AnthroPlus software, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while means and standard deviations were determined for continuous variables. Malnutrition categories were determined according to conventional indices and the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF). Bivariate analysis was used to examine associations between various sociodemographic variables and the CIAF.

Results: A total of 419 children under 5 were included in the study, with 215 (51.3%) boys and 204 (48.7%) girls. The mean age of the children was 24.1 ± 18.5 months. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among the children was 4.1%, 24.3%, and 24.3%, respectively. The CIAF revealed that malnutrition was present in 44.8% of the children.

Conclusion: The composite index of anthropometric failure provides a better estimate of malnutrition prevalence compared to conventional indices of stunting, wasting, and underweight, as a child can experience more than one form of malnutrition simultaneously.