Objective

To evaluate compliance with the guidelines for the management of acute, moderate, and severe malnutrition in children under five years of age in the department of Córdoba (Colombia).

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study was conducted with 23 Primary Data Generating Units (UPGD) from public institutions participating. The study involved completing a physical survey in accordance with the guidelines of the current standard, with a confidence level of 95% and a maximum permissible error of 5%

Results

83% of the public UPGD do not carry out active institutional searches.74% do not perform maintenance on anthropometric measurement equipment. 78% do not guarantee the prescription of the therapeutic formula ready for consumption. Additionally, 83% do not provide quality healthcare, and 78% of professionals do not adhere to the technical guideline.

Conclusions

The results are conclusive: there is a lack of adherence to and implementation of guidelines in public UPGD, and this is reflected in the quality of care provided and in the cases reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance System. While some criteria are fully met, they do not contribute to comprehensive care.