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The health status of youth in Puerto Rico
Brent A Langellier1, Molly A Martin, Glorisa Canino
1Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA. blangell@ucla.edu
Background:
Few population-based studies have assessed health outcomes and health care access and use among youth in the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Methods:
Data are from an island population-based sample of 337 youth, 10 to 17 years old, who participated in the Asthma, Depression, and Anxiety in Puerto Rican Youth Study. In-person interviews with youth and caregivers assessed self-rated physical and mental health, weight status, diagnosed health conditions, and health care access and use.
Results:
Island Puerto Rican youth report slightly worse physical and mental health than mainland youth. Puerto Rican youth have high rates of asthma, headaches, and stomachaches. Also, 6 in 10 island youth use public health insurance, and 1 in 3 regularly receive care at the emergency department.
Conclusions:
Island Puerto Rican youth are at a health disadvantage compared with mainland youth. Public health research is needed to fully understand and combat health challenges among Puerto Rican youth.
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