A Study Of Anthropometric Failure Among Under – 5 Children Registered At Anganwadi Centres Of Aliganj, Delhi

Introduction: Poor quality of infant and young child feeding practices are the major cause of malnutrition among the under – 5 children of any society. The composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) is a recent, and relatively robust criterion because it envisages all the parameters for estimation of nutritional status of a child. Objectives: To determine anthropometric failure and its socio-demographic determinants among under – 5 children registered at Anganwadi centres. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among all the children aged 6 months – 5 years registered in all the seven Anganwadi centres of Aliganj, Delhi. Anthropometric measurements were done for all study participants using standard tools. Results: A total of 206 children aged 6 months – 5 years participated in the study. Anthropometric failure was seen (using the CIAF criteria) in 119 (57.8%) study participants. The most common form of anthropometric failure was stunting with underweight. On bivariate analysis, it was found that lower education status of mother, and lower socio-economic status were significantly associated with anthropometric failure in the study participants, though on multivariate logistic regression analysis only lower socio-economic status was associated with anthropometric failure. Conclusion: Anthropometric failure is common among under – 5 children and requires promotion and adoption of correct infant and young child feeding practices.