Assessment of undernutrition among children below 5, using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF)

Background: SDG 2.2 aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Weight for age estimate misses out chronic and acute on chronic malnutrition. An aggregate indicator-the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) can help in addressing this concern. Aim & Objective: To assess the nutritional status of under five children using CIAF and compare it with other indices. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a resettlement colony of Delhi, between June to July 2015. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard operative procedures. Mothers of the study children were interviewed to obtain relevant information. Z scores were calculated using WHO-ANTHRO software. Nutritional status indicators were determined as per the World Health Organization 2006 child growth standards. Results: A total of 100 under-5 children were assessed. The prevalence of CIAF was 62% in our study. 35% of children were found to be underweight, 25% were wasted and 43% stunted. Mid Upper Arm Circumference detected 58.5% as undernourished. Using weight-for-age criterion for identifying undernourished children led to underestimation of the prevalence by 27%. Conclusion: CIAF can be used to provide a single, aggregated assessment of undernutrition. Use of this tool by field level workers will improve the diagnosis of undernutrition and help in early initiation of treatment