The Multidimensional Index of Child Growth (MICG) of the Task Force "Towards a Multidimensional Approach for Child Growth" of the International Union for Nutrition Sciences

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Multidimensional Index of Child Growth (MICG), a comprehensive tool that assesses various aspects of child wellbeing beyond physical growth, aiding policy and intervention evaluation.

Contribution

It develops and tests the MICG framework using data from multiple countries, incorporating a Bayesian extension and visualization tools for better monitoring and policy targeting.

Findings

Equal weighting yields robust results.

MICG reveals hidden deprivations in non-physical dimensions.

Community participation correlates with higher multidimensional outcomes.

Abstract

Children's growth extends beyond height and weight. This paper introduces the Multidimensional Index of Child Growth (MICG), developed by the IUNS Task Force "Towards a Multidimensional Approach for Child Growth." The IUNS-MICG applies a capability- and rights-based framework covering 14 dimensions of child wellbeing, including health, care, mental wellbeing, participation, autonomy, mobility, and safety. Using data from the Young Lives Study in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam, we tested the framework with 29 indicators. Comparisons of different weighting methods show that equal weights provide robust and policy-relevant results. MICG uncovers deprivations hidden by physical measures alone; for instance, rural girls in Peru face educational and mental wellbeing disadvantages despite similar physical growth. Further analyses show that community participation in WASH programs is linked to higher multidimensional outcomes, especially for the most deprived. We also extend MICG with a Bayesian approach to estimate children's unrealized opportunities and propose a spiderweb growth chart for visualizing multidimensional progress. MICG offers a practical, equity-focused tool to monitor, evaluate, and strengthen interventions that support the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure no child is left behind.