Health service utilization by quilombola and non-quilombola adolescents living in a rural area in the semi-arid region of the state of bahia, brazil

Abstract

This article describes health service utilization by Quilombola and non-Quilombola adolescents living in a rural area in the semi-ar-id region of Bahia. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gain a more in-depth understanding of the object of study. A cross-sec-tional household survey was conducted with 390 adolescents. Health service utilization was described using frequency distribution and 95% confidence intervals. Discussions were held with four focus groups, which were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. The most common-ly reported usual place of care was the local family care center (70,0%) and 15,1% of the adolescents had sought health care in the last 15 days. The main reason for seeking care was illness (37,3%). The findings of the qualitative component of the study reveal multiple factors influencing access to services, including long waiting times, lack of prioritization of adolescent care and geographi-cal barriers. Health services should attempt to get closer adolescents and provide care tailored to the specific needs of this group.