[Evaluation of integrated management of childhood illness against malnutrition in urban areas of Nayarit, Mexico].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between coverage of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy and the prevalence of stunting in children 6 to 36 months of age.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two urban areas of Nayarit, Mexico, in August 2002. Anthropometry, health care for mothers and their children, morbidity and socioeconomic data were collected by means of household interviews. Statistical analyses were performed with chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression.


RESULTS
IMCI coverage rates were as follows: immunization 97%, vitamin A supplementation 66.9%, deworming with albendazole 91.5%, nutritional surveillance 50%, maternal health education 25.5%, maternal health care 24.4%, and 2.5% overall. The prevalence of stunting was 4.9%, and was statistically associated with incomplete courses of vitamin A supplementation and albendazole deworming.


CONCLUSIONS
Coverage of IMCI components varied according to their feasibility and time of implementation. The associations between IMCI and failure to thrive highlight the importance of obtaining more information about its effects on the nutritional status of children. This will help to improve prevention strategies against child malnutrition.
López-Flores
Fernando
F
Secretaría de Salud de Nayarit, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Tepic, Nayarit, México. jferlf@hotmail.com
Barquera-Cervera
Simón
S
Kageyama-Escobar
Maria de la Luz
Mde L
D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000592:standards*; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008800:Mexico; D015995:Prevalence; D014505:Urban Population