Risk Factors for Underweight among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Indonesia

Background: Underweight is a form of malnutrition often associated with increased risk of mortality in children under five years of aged. Underweight is often simultaneously experienced with stunting and wasting. This study aimed to identify risk factors for underweight in children aged 6-59 months in Indonesia. Subjects and Method: This study was cross-sectional study using Riskesdas data in 2018. The study sample included 47,579 children under five years. The dependent variable was nutritional status. The independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics and illness history. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The risk of underweight in children aged 6-59 months increased with age 24-59 months (aOR= 1.84; 95% CI= 1.70 to 1.99; p < 0.001), male (aOR= 1.16; 95% CI= 1.11 to 1.22; p < 0.001), history of tuberculosis (aOR= 1.90; 95% CI= 1.24 to 2.92; p= 0.003), history of diarrhea (aOR= 1.13; 95% CI= 1.05 to 1.21; p < 0.001), birth delivery at home (aOR= 1.56; 95% CI= 1.42 to 1.70; p < 0.001). The risk of underweight in children aged 6-59 months increased with extended family (aOR= 1.19; 95% CI= 1.11 to 1.27; p < 0.001), low maternal education (aOR= 1.34; 95% CI= 1.19 to 1.50; p < 0.001), housewives (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI= 1.18 to 1.62; p < 0.001), unemployed father (aOR= 1.26; 95% CI= 1.09 to 1.45; p= 0.001), mother with a history of underweight (aOR= 1.43; 95% CI= 1.32 to 1.55; p= 0.001), and father with a history of underweight (aOR= 1.51; 95% CI= 1.38 to 1.66; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The risk of underweight in children aged 6-59 months increases with age 24-59 months, male, history of tuberculosis, history of diarrhea, birth delivery at home, extended family, low maternal education, housewives, unemployed father, mothers with a history of underweight, and fathers with a history of underweight.