<![CDATA[Wasting is a form of acute malnutrition characterized by significant and rapid weight loss resulting from inadequate food intake and infectious diseases. This study was to investigate the factors associated with wasting in children aged 6–23 months and the dominant factor among these. The study followed a cross-sectional study design. A total sample of 261 children was selected using multistage random sampling from 13 integrated healthcare centres in six administrative villages located in three sub-districts of Central Jakarta. Data was collected by measuring body weight and height and questionnaires completed through interviews carried out by trained data collectors. This study shows that the prevalence of wasting in children aged 6– 23 months in Central Jakarta is 6.9%. Based on logistic regression analysis, fulfilment Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD) (OR=3.2 90% CI 1.1-9.5) was found to be the dominant factor in wasting after controlling by mother's level of education (OR=1.7 90% CI 0.7–4.2) and the level of family income (OR=2.9; 90% CI 0.9-8.9). This research shows that there is a need for improvement of maternal behaviour in providing appropriate care for children. Based on this research, we recommend that intervention on appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices be strengthened, especially for mothers with low levels of education and family income.]]>
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