[Measurements of the urban low socioeconomic level in families with malnourished infants].

Two measurements of low socioeconomic level (LSL) were compared in a group of families of low socioeconomic strata from the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. The purpose was to search for an instrument capable of discriminating the more deprived sectors. The sample included 85 families with infant, the experimental group consisted of 42 families with severely malnourished infant, and the control group was formed by 43 families with healthy infant. The modified Graffar Scale and a Specific Index to measure LSL were applied throughout a survey carried out in the mothers. The study also comprised health and sociocultural aspects. Results indicated that the modified Graffar Scale does not discriminate at the level of an apparently homogeneous group. In contrast, the Specific Index does detect significant differences between both groups, as well as correlations between the health and sociocultural variables. The Specific Index is therefore a helpful and easy to use instrument when applied to urban groups of low socioeconomic level.