Disparities in Transition to Adult Healthcare Services for US Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Tyra C. Girdwood, Susan G. Silva, Gary R. Maslow, Sharron L. Docherty
Primary Institution: Duke University
Hypothesis
Are US adolescents with special healthcare needs less likely to receive transition services to prepare for adult healthcare compared to their peers, and how does COVID-19 impact this?
Conclusion
Significant disparities exist among US adolescents in receiving transition services, particularly worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 21.7% of adolescents received transition services.
- Adolescents with special healthcare needs had 40% higher odds of receiving transition services.
- Adolescents in unsafe neighborhoods had increased odds of receiving transition services if they had special healthcare needs.
Takeaway
This study found that many teenagers in the US aren't getting the help they need to switch from children's healthcare to adult healthcare, especially after COVID-19.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Children's Health using adjusted multivariable logistic regression models.
Potential Biases
The use of secondary data may limit the scope of variables available for analysis.
Limitations
The study relied on caregiver-reported data, which may introduce recall bias and does not capture the adolescent perspective.
Participant Demographics
Adolescents aged 12-17 years, with and without special healthcare needs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.23, 1.58
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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