The burden of anthropometric failure and child mortality in India

Abstract

The public health burden of nutritional deficiency and child mortality is the major challenge India is facing upfront. In this context, using National Family Health Survey, 2015–16 data, this study estimated rate of composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) among Indian children by their population characteristics, across states and examined the multilevel contextual determinants. We further investigated district level burden of infant and child mortality in terms of multiple anthropometric failure prevalence across India. The multilevel analysis confirms a significant state, district and PSU level variation in the prevalence of anthropometric failures. Factors like- place of residence, household’s economic wellbeing, mother’s educational attainment, age, immunization status and drinking water significantly determine the different forms of multiple anthropometric failures. Wealth status of the household and mother’s educational status show a clear gradient in terms of the estimated odds ratios. The district level estimation of infant and child mortality demonstrates that districts with higher burden of multiple anthropometric failures show elevated risk of infant and child mortality. Unlike previous studies, this study does not use the conventional indices, instead considered the CIAF to identify the exact and severe form of undernutrition among Indian children and the associated nexus with infant and child mortality at the district level.

Tracking progress in anthropometric failure among under-five children in Ethiopia: a geospatial and multilevel analysis

“…The finding of this study indicated that children whose mothers are thin (having a BMI below 18.5) had more anthropometric failures as compared to children whose mothers had normal body weight (BMI 18.5-24.95). This finding is in line with other studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa [ 16 , 33 ] and India [ 17 ]. This group consists of more at-risk population segments for children anthropometric failure.…”

“…We also found that childhood anthropometric failures are significantly associated with maternal and paternal education. Previous studies conducted have shown that maternal education has a positive effect in decreasing childhood anthropometric failure [ 16 , 17 ]. The knowledge that mothers acquire from formal education could help them to adopt essential nutrition and hygiene behaviors that may prevent children anthropometric failures.…”

Tracking Progress in Anthropometric Failure Among Under-five Children in Ethiopia: A Geospatial and Multilevel Analysis.

“…The nding of this study indicated that children whose mothers are a thin BMI below 18.5 had more anthropometric failures as compared to children whose mothers had normal body weight BMI 18.5-24.95. This nding is in line with other studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa [11,26] and India [15]. This group consists of more at-risk population segments for children anthropometric failure.…”

“…We also found that childhood anthropometric failures is signi cantly associated with maternal education. Previous studies conducted have shown that maternal education has a positive effect in decreasing childhood anthropometric failure [11,15]. The knowledge that mothers acquire from formal education could help them to adopt essential nutrition and hygiene behaviors that may prevent anthropometric failures.…”

“…Previous studies done on under-nutrition revealed that Poor socioeconomic conditions, food insecurity, poverty, and adverse conditions such as illness or inadequate feeding practices can drastically alter the growth pattern of children [9,11,15,16]. Further, the social context in which the children are embedded may also play a role in in uencing their nutritional status and health outcomes.…”