Differences in Access to Care Among Students Using School-Based Health Centers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• School-based health centers (SBHCs) are integral to the U.S. health safety net, especially following health care reform.
• Limited large-scale research exists on the impact of SBHCs on patient access to care.
• Understanding access disparities among adolescent SBHC users is crucial for optimizing service delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in health care access among adolescent users of school-based health centers.
• To examine the association between student characteristics and access to care within SBHC settings.
• To identify factors influencing unmet health needs among adolescent SBHC patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nationally representative sample of adolescent SBHC users.
• Employed multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess access to care.
• Analyzed associations between student demographics, insurance status, and access outcomes.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in access were found based on race/ethnicity or insurance status among adolescent SBHC users.
• Significant disparities were observed regarding unmet health needs within the adolescent SBHC user population.
• School nurses play a key role in facilitating equitable access and coordinating care.

Conclusions:

• SBHCs demonstrate potential for equitable access, irrespective of race/ethnicity or insurance.
• Addressing unmet health needs remains a critical area for improvement in adolescent SBHC services.
• School nurses are essential for enhancing care coordination and advocating for SBHC support.