Background: Wasting is still a major health problem in toddlers, especially in rural areas. This study aims to analyze the risk factors of wasting in children under five years of age 24-59 months in rural areas of West Sumatra Province. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The study used secondary data from the Indonesian Health Survey in 2023 with a sample size of 541 toddlers. Data analysis was conducted bivariate using the chi-square test. Results: The results of the analysis showed that of the five variables studied, the history of infectious diseases (p=0.001) and vitamin A supplementation (p=0.003) had a significant association with the incidence of wasting in children aged 24-59 months in rural areas of West Sumatra Province. Meanwhile, economic status (p=0.414), environmental sanitation (p=0.104), and drinking water source (p=0.094) had no significant association. Conclusion: In rural areas, infectious diseases and lack of vitamin A supplementation were the causes of wasting. Health promotion and prevention of infectious diseases need to be evaluated and improved including efforts to increase the immune system of children under five.
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