Composite index of anthropometric failure and geographic altitude in children from Jujuy (1 to 5 years old). / Composite index of anthropometric failure and geographic altitude in children from Jujuy (1 to 5 years old).

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) is made up of typical anthropometric indicators and their combination into seven categories, and proposes an additional measure to study malnutrition as an alternative to the evaluation of stunting, wasting and underweight as separate measures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the CIAF in the child population settled at different altitudinal zones in Jujuy. POPULATION AND METHODS: Weight and height were obtained from healthy 1 to 5 year-old control children, measured at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Jujuy between 2005 and 2007. Nutritional status indicators such as underweight, stunting and wasting were determined as per the World Health Organization 2007 child growth standards. The CIAF and its seven categories were estimated by grouping data by gender, age and altitudinal zone (highlands >2500 MASL; lowlands <2500 MASL). The CIAF percentage differences for height, gender and age were verified using a chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 8059 children were included. The CIAF for highland children (6.1