Disparities in sugar-sweetened beverage expenditures: insights from Indonesian urban and rural households

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) poses a significant health risk because of their poor nutritional content. This study investigates SSB expenditure among Indonesian households with the goal to analyse disparities and determinants in urban and rural areas. Using the data from March 2022 national socio-economic survey, percentages and means were calculated, and binary probit analysis was performed. The results indicate that the majority of Indonesian households (73.59%) purchase sugary drinks, with slightly higher proportions and mean SSB expenditures observed in rural compared to urban households. Household SSB expenditure at the national level exhibits linear associations with quintiles of household food expenditure and size, a consistent pattern observed in both rural and urban areas. Notably, household composition, including a larger number of children, female adults, and elderly individuals, correlates with reduced SSB expenditures in urban households, while no such trend is observed in rural counterparts. Despite similar access to sugary drinks in rural and urban areas, urgent attention is needed to enhance health literacy among rural households. Interventions through formal education institutions or community-driven initiatives are crucial to address this important health concern and foster healthier beverage choices across the diverse Indonesian landscape.