Assessment of Risk Factors and Prevalence of under Nutrition Using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) among under 5 Children in a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Under nutrition is a major health problem in the developing countries especially India. It has a significant impact to child morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To assess the risk factor and prevalence of under nutrition among children under 5 years of age, using conventional indices and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF), and then comparing their estimated results.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the pediatrics department (outpatient and inpatient) from January 2021 to March 2021 using sample size of 300. Attendants of Toddler’s were interviewed with semi structured proforma and height and weight of toddler were measured by measuring tape and weighing machine respectively. Informed consent was obtained. MS excel was used for data analysis after compilation.

Results: CIAF identified 96% of childrens to have under nutrition. By using conventional indices it was seen that 62.8% of the children were underweight, 50% were stunted and 44.4% were wasted.

Conclusion: CIAF gives a better estimate of under nutrition than currently used conventional indices; and identifies more children with multiple anthropometric failures.