Correlation analysis between sociodemographic variables of interest and prevalence of acute malnutrition, Colombia, 2022

Abstract

Introduction. Acute malnutrition is a structural problem, since it is affected by situations ranging from unsatisfied basic needs to an individual’s own dietary practices. In 2022, according to a report from the National Institute of Health, 21 195 cases of acute malnutrition were reported, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.56 per 100 children under 5 years of age. The objective of this study was to perform a correlation analysis between acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age and the basics indicators of the methodology of unsatisfied basic needs in Colombia for 2022.

Methodology. Observational study. The national databases of Sivigila were used for moderate and severe acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age and for the national indicators the information available for 2022 from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) of Colombia was used. A correlation analysis was performed between sociodemographic indicators at the departmental level using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, using the Colombian average for each of the variables as a reference, and the most critical departments were identified. Correlation analysis between sociodemographic variables of interest and prevalence of acute malnutrition, Colombia, 2022

Results. A positive correlation was found between 0.4 and 0.8; the highest prevalences of acute malnutrition were associated with highest indicators of uninsured population, non-attendance at school and economic dependency rates. The most critical areas in most of the correlations were found in certain territories of the Amazon, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Conclusion. Multisectoral and focused actions are needed to address acute malnutrition in Colombia, with special attention to the areas with the highest correlation rates.