The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53386

Rujuta R. Gaonkar, MPH¹, Susan Barkan, PhD¹, Jessica Young, MSW², and Robin Pfohman, MS³. (1) Epidemiology, Planning and Evaluation, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 999 3rd Avenue, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-4039, 206-205-5051, rujuta.gaonkar@metrokc.gov, (2) c/o Epidemiology, Planning and Evaluation, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 999 3rd Avenue, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-4039, (3) Youth Health Services, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 999 3rd Avenue, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104

Adolescence is a critically important time to provide health care, yet teens utilize health care services less than any other age group, even when these services are available on-site in their schools. To date, few studies have been published examining not only who non-users of school-based health centers (SBHCs) are, but also why they are not seeking out services at SBHCs. During the 2001-2002 school year, a qualitative study was conducted to identify why students in Seattle who are in need of services do not utilize the school-based health centers. Eight focus groups were conducted with 48 middle and high school students who were identified as non-users. Key informant interviews were conducted with 27 staff from all Seattle middle and high schools with school-based or school-linked health centers. Methods (conducting interviews/focus groups with teens), findings (what barriers prevent these students from using the clinics), recommendations (what measures SBHC staff and school can take to attain higher rates of use) and lessons learned will be shared. Through a better understanding of both facilitators and barriers, school-based health centers can implement targeted efforts to improve access, outreach, and utilization, thereby more effectively meeting the needs of their students.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Identify and more effectively address concerns and constraints particular to adolescent use of health care services within the school environment.
  6. Apply findings to quality improvement efforts at local school-based health centers.
  9. Incorporate qualitative methods into school-based evaluation designs.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, School-Based Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.