Determinants of wasting among children aged 6–23 months from low-income households in Indonesia: an analysis of the SSGI 2022

Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze the determinants of wasting among children aged 6–23 months from low-income households in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study used data from the Indonesia Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) 2022, with a cross-sectional design. The sample was 31,787 children aged 6–23 months from low-income households. The data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression). Findings The prevalence of wasting in children aged 6–23 months in low-income households was 6.4%. The determinants of wasting among children aged 6–23 months from low-income households in Indonesia are low birth weight, age 12–23 months, male, nondiverse food consumption, incomplete basic immunization, having a history of acute respiratory infections, and access to inappropriate drinking water sources. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design cannot explain the causal mechanism. Missing data were handled using listwise deletion, which may introduce bias if data were not missing completely at random. Practical implications Targeted nutrition and health interventions for vulnerable children aged 6–23 months in low-income households are needed, focused on birth weight, dietary diversity, immunization coverage, infection prevention, and access to safe drinking water. Social implications This study highlights persistent health inequalities among low-income households and promotes fair access to nutrition services, emphasizing families’ and communities’ roles in reducing wasting. Originality/value By focusing on children aged 6–23 months from low-income households, this study provides new evidence on the determinants of wasting in Indonesia based on a nationally representative survey.