Adolescent use of outpatient health services in Mexico: their health needs and associated factors.

Objective: To estimate adolescent use of outpatient services, identifying their health needs and associated socioeconomic factors.

Materials and methods: Using data from Ensanut 2018-2019, adolescents (ages 10-19) with health needs and those receiving care from health personnel (users) were identified. Needs were analyzed by sex and socioeconomic status (SES). Logistic models were used to assess the factors associated with the use of health care and choice of provider.

Results: 6% of adolescents reported health needs, of whom 64% used outpatient services. Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections were the principal health needs prompting use of services overall. However, by SES, motivations centered on pregnancy for the poor and accidental injuries for the wealthy. One in three adolescents with health needs, particularly the poorest, received no care. Living with a partner and having health insurance were the main predictors of use. Greater schooling among household heads and higher SES correlated with the use of private services.

Conclusions: Despite being aware of their health needs, adolescents are the group that uses health services the least in Mexico. Promoting preventative and timely treatment for this population would encourage youths to seek care more often.