Predictors of young people's healthcare access in the digital age

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To quantify barriers to healthcare for young people (12-24 years) and identify socio-demographic correlates and predictors. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey targeted young people living in New South Wales, Australia, with oversampling of marginalised groups. Principles Component Analysis (PCA) identified clusters of barriers. Ordinal regression identified predictors of each barrier cluster. RESULTS: A total of 1,416 young people completed surveys. Participants with chronic conditions and increasing psychological distress reported a greater number of barriers. Of 11 potential barriers to visiting a health service, cost was most common (45.8%). The PCA identified three clusters:..