A community-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of undernutrition in 0 to 6 years anganwadi children of Panvel block, Raigad district, Maharashtra

Background: An impaired nutritional status in preschool children significantly Impacts their overall childhood development. Early detection of undernutrition at an early age is crucial for intervention. Objectives the study were to conduct assessments children, detect prevalence and various patterns these by applying a composite index anthropometric failure (CIAF) indicator.Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional was conducted January 2019 March 2020. The sample size 8542 computed formula n=4pq/L2, randomly selecting 132 Anganwadi. Nutritional assessment done anthropometrics clinical examinations. Conventional indices (underweight, stunting, wasting) CIAF classification used assess. undernutrition. Statistical analysis Microsoft Excel SPSS version 27 statistical tests applied.Results: 50.6% detected “anthropometric failure” method. conventional showed underweight 32.9%, stunting 35.7%, wasting 16.4%. 13 25-month group more affected (57%) than its counterparts Statistically, no significant difference found between genders across all groups (χ2=9.8, χtab=11.08). Chronic seemed highly prevalent acute one children.Conclusions: comprehensive policy program needed identify cover single as well multiple anthropometrical children. Special attention towards 25 months old