Abstract

Objectives: To update the prevalence of malnutrition in Mexico, its trend and its association with various risk factors. Methods: Information on children under five years of age in Mexico from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys from 2012 to 2020 was analyzed, with valid data on weight and height or length. We estimated z-scores for child undernutrition indicators: underweight, low height and wasting, using WHO reference standards. Data were adjusted according to the study design of each survey and valid associations were sought through statistical modeling. Results: Currently, 12.8% of children under five years of age had low height, 4.1% underweight and 0.8% wasting. The highest prevalence of low height was in children older than 24 months (14.2%), in rural areas (13%), and in the southern region of the country (22.7%). Conclusions: In view of the high figures of low height in our country, it is imperative to study the strategies to clarify a possible stagnation of child undernutrition in Mexico in ten years. Funding Sources: Ministry of Health.