Paper details
| Paper authors | Taslim Mohammed |
| In panel on | Building a Knowledge Base: Theories and Methods in Humanitarian Action |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
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Abstract
Background
In humanitarian contexts, accurately assessing undernutrition is essential. This study pioneers the application of the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and its severe counterpart (severe CIAF) within the humanitarian setting, bridging critical gaps in the existing literature on undernutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Somalia.
Methods
The study uses data collected from humanitarian organizations’ surveys conducted between 2013 to 2018, focusing on children aged 6-59 months in Somalia. It explores undernutrition prevalence and trends during this period, comparing CIAF estimates with conventional indicators (Weight-for-Age, Height-for-Age, Weight-for-Height, and Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)). Logistic regression models systematically explore associations between CIAF and key variables: sex, age, MUAC, seasonality, and livelihood type.
Results
The analysis reveals an overall CIAF prevalence of 27.8% among children aged 6-59 months. Disaggregated CIAF categories show “Wasted only” and “Stunted only” as the predominant anthropometric failures, while “Underweight only” is less common. Over the examined period, undernutrition rates showed dynamic fluctuations, with peaks in 2013 (46.1%) and 2017 (30.1%). Importantly, CIAF consistently reports higher undernutrition rates than conventional anthropometric indices (WAZ, HAZ, WHZ, and MUAC). Moreover, the study highlights a higher prevalence of CIAF among boys and older children (25-59 months). Livelihood disparities are evident, with lower CIAF prevalence among pastoralist communities and increased risk among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Sex-specific associations reveal boys living in riverine livelihoods face a heightened risk of undernutrition.
Conclusion
CIAF provides a more accurate estimate of undernutrition compared to currently employed conventional indicators. CIAF not only identifies more children with multiple anthropometric failures but also offers broad perspective on the extent and patterns of undernutrition among children in complex settings. The comprehensive approach of CIAF holds the potential to enhance child wellbeing and nutritional outcomes.
