Geographic and Socioeconomic Differences in the Prevalence of Diarrhea in Children Under Five Years in Indonesia: An Indonesian Health Survey Study

Abstract

Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age (toddlers) in Indonesia. Analyzing prevalence disparities is crucial for targeted interventions. This study aimed to analyze geographic and socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of diarrhea in toddlers in Indonesia using national survey data. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) data. The sample included children aged 0–59 months. Diarrhea prevalence was defined as a diagnosis or symptoms of diarrhea in the past month. Independent variables included geographic (province, residence) and socioeconomic (wealth quintile, maternal education) factors. Descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression with adjustments for complex survey designs were performed. The national prevalence of diarrhea in toddlers was 7.4%. Extreme geographic disparities were found, with the highest prevalence in Highland Papua (23.5%) and Central Papua (17.8%). Socioeconomically, prevalence was higher among toddlers from the poorest quintile (8.8%), those with low-educated mothers, and those with unemployed caregivers. Multivariate analysis confirmed geographic location and low socioeconomic status as strong predictors. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in Indonesia shows sharp geographic and socioeconomic disparities, concentrated in Papua and marginalized groups. Public health interventions need to be prioritized and tailored to the context of these regions and high-risk groups to achieve equitable child health outcomes.