Health Care Utilization and Unmet Need Among Youth With Special Health Care Needs

To examine unmet health needs and health care utilization among youth with special health care needs (YSHCN).

We analyzed data among youth aged 12-17 years using the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. We conducted descriptive analyses comparing YSHCN with non-YSHCN, and bivariate and multivariable analyses examining associations between dependent and independent measures. Six dependent variables represented unmet needs and utilization. Adjusted analyses controlled for sociodemographic and health measures.

A total of 5,862 individuals were identified as YSHCN, and nearly 70% had three or more comorbid conditions. Over 90% used medical care, preventive care, or dental care in the past 12 months, while 8% reported having unmet health needs (compared with 2.8% of non-YSHCN). Using a typology of qualifying criteria for special health care needs, we found that YSHCN with increasing complexity of needs were more likely to report unmet health needs, use of mental health care services, and emergency department use, compared with YSHCN using medication only to manage their conditions. All YSHCN living in households below 400% federal poverty level were less likely to utilize nearly all types of health care examined, with the exception of mental health care use, compared with those at or above 400% federal poverty level.

Differences in complexity of needs, race/ethnicity, and poverty status highlight existing gaps in health care utilization and persistent unmet health needs among YSHCN. Efforts should focus on strengthening coordinated systems of care that optimally meet the needs of YSHCN so they may thrive in their families and communities.