Anthropometric failure, a new approach to measure undernutrition: an experience from a rural community of West Bengal, India.

Undernutrition is the major threat to the health and well-being of preschool children in India. To assess the prevalence of undernutrition along with the risk factors among 1-3 years children, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in villages served by Matigara sub-centre in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurement of 256 children was done as per WHO guidelines along with collection of sociocultural and healthcare related information. Z-score was calculated (NCHS reference) and the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 46.9%, 52.3% and 15.2% respectively. Composite, index of anthropometric failure was 65.6%. Anthropometric failure was significantly associated with low income, more number of siblings, nuclear family, short duration of exclusive breastfeeding, later initiation of complementary feeding, immunisation status, mothers' BMI, episodes of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. Multipronged intervention is to be initiated to address this staggering problem of undernutrition.