Wasting and associated factors among infants aged 0-23 months in 13 provinces in Indonesia: Evidence from Indonesia Family Life Surveys (IFLS) 2000, 2007 and 2014

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Wasting is an acute form of under-nutrition. Frequent occurrence and long-term wasting can lead to stunting. Indonesia has one of the world's highest wasting prevalence of 12.1% and ranked the 4th highest for wasting globally in 2012. Methods: Data from Rand Corp Indonesia Family Life Survey for 2000, 2007 and 2014 were used to examine wasting trend, while data for 2000 and 2014 were used to determine the associated factors of wasting in infants aged 0-23 months. Data was analysed using SPSS. Logistic regression was used to predict the variables contributing to wasting. Results: Wasting prevalence in 2000, 2007 and 2014 were 12.0%, 11.2% and 10.1%, respectively. Birth weight correlated significantly with wasting prevalence in 2000 while in 2014, wasting prevalence correlated significantly with birth weight, birth length, poverty, and ownership of "Mother and Child Health Book". Logistic regression showed that birth weight was an important associated factor in 2000 and 2014, while ownership of "Mother and Child Health Book" was the only important associated factor of birth weight in 2014. Conclusion: The prevalence of wasting among young Indonesian children was lower in 2014 compared to 2000, but is still at a high level. Birth weight consistently remains the significant factor affecting wasting. It is important that the nutritional status of women be taken care of before and during pregnancy for optimal birth outcomes.