Determinants of wasting in infants in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

In children, wasting can lead to impaired growth, Inhibited muscular growth, weakened immune systems, and heightened vulnerability to illnesses, including flu, cough, diarrhea, and serious infections. This study aimed to determine the factors that contribute to the incidence of wasting in infants aged 0-59 months. This type of research used a cross-sectional design, observational analytical methods, and quantitative analysis. Proportional random sampling was used for sampling. Questionnaires, interview sheets, and multifunctional devices with 0.1 cm precision length and height measurements were employed for data collection. In this study, logistic regression and chi-square tests were performed. The findings of the study suggest a connection between 0-59 month-old infants' calorie, carbohydrates, protein, and fat intake, and household income and wasting. With a p-value of 0.033 (p <0.05) and an OR value of 0.309, the logistic regression test findings showed that protein consumption was the most significant subvariable for wasting. This indicates that infants who consume insufficient amounts of protein have a 0.309-fold higher risk of experiencing wasting. In conclusion, infants’ nutritional health between the ages of 0-59 months is significantly influenced by their protein intake. This study implies that programs aimed at increasing protein intake can reduce the incidence of wasting.