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01-04-2013 | Original Article

Predictors of the use of healthcare services in children and adolescents in Spain

Authors: Jorge-A Palacio-Vieira, Ester Villalonga-Olives, Jose María Valderas, Michael Herdman, Jordi Alonso, Luis Rajmil

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Objective

To assess medium to long term predictors of healthcare services use in a population-based sample of children/adolescents in Spain.

Methods

A sample of children and adolescents aged 8–18 and their parents were evaluated at baseline (2003) and follow-up (2006). Total use of healthcare services and visits to specialist and dentists at the follow-up were analyzed.

Results

Four hundred fifty-four children/adolescents completed baseline and follow-up assessments (response rate 54 %). 90 % of respondents reported at least one visit during the 12 months previous to the follow-up. Low socioeconomic status (beta coefficient = 0.30; 95 % CI = 0.02–0.57), double healthcare coverage (0.41; 0.17–0.66), parental use of services, poor mental health and activity limitation were associated to the total number of visits. Access to specialist was associated to double healthcare coverage (OR = 1.77; 1.01–3.07) and parental primary level of education (OR = 0.51; 0.32–0.81). Age and low family affluence predicted visits to dentists (OR = 0.38; 0.19–0.73).

Conclusion

No barriers to healthcare services use were found. Family level of education, family affluence and double healthcare coverage predicted the use of specialists and dentists.

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Title: Predictors of the use of healthcare services in children and adolescents in Spain
Authors: Jorge-A Palacio-Vieira
Ester Villalonga-Olives
Jose María Valderas
Michael Herdman
Jordi Alonso
Luis Rajmil
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0360-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Predictors of the use of healthcare services in children and adolescents in Spain

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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