The level of household food insecurity is associated with the risk of infectious diseases among toddlers in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study investigated the correlation between food insecurity and infectious diseases among toddlers in Indonesia.

Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional study design using data from the 2021 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey, which included a sample of 84,115 toddlers. Food insecurity levels were assessed using the food insecurity experience scale, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The dependent variable, infectious disease, was defined as a toddler experiencing 1 or more of the following conditions: acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, measles, or worms. Multivariate analysis was conducted using multiple logistic regression to determine adjusted odds ratios (ORs).

Results: The findings indicate that 23.78% of toddlers experienced at least 1 infectious disease. While more than half of the respondents were food secure, 26.5% faced mild food insecurity, 13.6% moderate food insecurity, and 6.5% severe food insecurity. Toddlers from households experiencing mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity had higher risks of infectious diseases compared to those from food-secure households, with adjusted ORs of 1.367 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.308-1.428), 1.490 (95% CI, 1.399-1.588), and 1.500 (95% CI, 1.374-1.638), respectively.

Conclusion: In conclusion, more severe food insecurity is correlated with an increased risk of toddlers suffering infectious diseases.