Factors Causing Wasting in Toddlers: A Literature Review

Background: Wasting is one of the acute nutritional problems in toddlers, reflecting a weight that is too low for their height. This condition can increase the risk of mortality and long-term developmental disorders. The prevalence of wasting in Indonesia in 2022 reached 7.7%, with Bandar Lampung City at 8.4%, exceeding the provincial average.

Objective: This study aims to review research articles or journals on the factors causing wasting in toddlers.

Methods: The method used in this study is a literature review sourced from the Google Scholar and PubMed databases within the period of 2020-2025. Literature selection was conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria determined by the researcher. This review stage includes identifying the research problem, searching for literature, presenting data, and evaluating the data.

Results: Based on the literature review collected, the causes of wasting can be categorized into direct and indirect factors. Direct factors include inadequate food intake and infectious diseases like diarrhea. Indirect factors include exclusive breastfeeding, feeding practices, and access to healthcare services. The main underlying factors are poverty, family characteristics, food distribution patterns, the mother’s education level, employment status, and household income level.

Conclusion: Wasting in young children is caused by a complex interaction between direct, indirect, and primary factors. Prevention and management efforts for wasting must be designed comprehensively, considering all contributing factors, especially improved nutritional intake, management of infectious diseases, increased maternal knowledge, and improvement of family socioeconomic conditions.