Decoding India's Child Malnutrition Puzzle: A Multivariable Analysis Using a Composite Index.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examines the levels and predictors of malnutrition in Indian children under 5 years of age.

Methods

Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure was applied to data from the India National Family Health Survey 2019-2021. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors.

Results

52.59% of children experienced anthropometric failure. Child predictors of lower malnutrition risk included female gender (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.881) and average or large size at birth (AOR = 0.729 and 0.715, respectively, compared to small size). Higher birth order increased malnutrition odds (2nd-4th: AOR = 1.211; 5th or higher: AOR = 1.449) compared to firstborn. Maternal predictors of lower malnutrition risk included age 20-34 years (AOR

SUBMITTER: Shah G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11352507 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature