The Concept of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF): Revisited and Revised

Abstract

Estimation of total undernutrition with summation of Gomez and Waterlow’s three class divisions in Svedberg formulated composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) and Nandy’s revised CIAF have underestimated the prevalence of stunting with overweight children and only overweight children. The present report proposes a new scheme which would accurately estimate the prevalence of anthropometric failure (both under as well as overweight). This new classification will help in better estimating the dual burden of malnutrition among children.