# Key Factors Associated With Nonuse of Telemedicine in Patients With Hypertension and/or Diabetes: Findings From the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey

## TL;DR

This study explores why patients with hypertension and diabetes in Indonesia rarely use telemedicine, finding that factors like age, education, and occupation play a role.

## Contribution

The study identifies sociodemographic factors associated with low telemedicine adoption in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in Indonesia.

## Key findings

- Only 2% of patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in Indonesia used telemedicine.
- Older age, lower education, and certain occupations are linked to nonuse of telemedicine.
- Patients with hypertension alone are more likely to avoid telemedicine than those with both conditions.

## Abstract

The Indonesian government has established a blueprint for health system digitalization aimed at improving health coverage. Despite the benefits of telemedicine services, its utilization remains low, and the factors associated with nonuse of telemedicine in Indonesia are not well understood.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of telemedicine use and to identify factors contributing to its nonuse among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes, particularly considering that these patients require long‐term medication management and monitoring.

This national cross‐sectional study utilized data from the Indonesia Health Survey conducted in 2023, reflecting the postpandemic demographical conditions across 38 provinces in Indonesia. Telemedicine utilization and sociodemographic information were assessed based on a self‐reported questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with nonuse of telemedicine. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

This study involved 63,012 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Most of them were women (65.1%), married (78.3%), aged 55–64 years (30.9%). Nearly all the respondents (98.0%) had not used telemedicine. Factors associated with nonuse of telemedicine included being unmarried (OR = 1.40; 95%CI = 1.11–1.77), older than 34 years (OR = 3.83; 95%CI = 1.90–7.73), having an educational background below the university level, farmer/fisherman and helper/laborer/driver, and living outside the islands of Java and Bali. Respondents with hypertension alone (OR = 1.67, 95%CI = 1.32–2.11) were more likely to report nonuse of telemedicine compared with those with both diabetes and hypertension.

The usage of telemedicine among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in Indonesia is low. Personalized approaches that consider patient‐specific factors and integrate telemedicine more frequently into the healthcare system are essential to enhance telemedicine adoption among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in Indonesia.