Socioeconomic Disparities Among People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Indonesia

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant public health issue in Indonesia, shaped by underlying socioeconomic inequalities that affect its prevalence. This study aimed to comprehensively examine how socioeconomic status, technological accessibility, and environmental conditions influence DM prevalence, screening uptake, and medication adherence in Indonesia. Utilizing data from the Ministry of Health’s 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, a cross-sectional design was employed. The study sample consisted of 951 individuals with DM who met the inclusion criteria. Socioeconomic indicators based on the WHO’s framework for social determinants of health included access to healthcare, employment status, educational attainment, and economic standing. Analyses involved estimating DM prevalence and making comparisons across socioeconomic strata, as well as applying the Relative Inequality Index (RII) to quantify disparities in DM prevalence. Findings revealed a DM prevalence of 3.08% ( n = 951), with prevalence increasing across higher wealth quintiles. Although only 3.03% of respondents utilized telemedicine, its use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of DM. Conversely, individuals without telephone access had a lower recorded prevalence, while access to improve water sources and proximity to health centers correlated with reduced DM prevalence. Demographic factors such as lower educational attainment and unemployment were also associated with increased DM prevalence. Strengthening community health centers ( Puskesmas ) as hubs for early detection and chronic care, while expanding access to digital health tools and culturally sensitive education, is essential for reducing disparities and achieving more equitable diabetes management outcomes.