title: Forgone health care among secondary school students in New Zealand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Perceived lack of confidential health care is an important barrier for young people accessing health care services in New Zealand (NZ).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of forgone health care among a nationally representative sample of NZ secondary school students and to describe the health concerns and specific health issues for which young people had difficulty accessing health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Random sample of 9107 NZ secondary school students participated in a 2007 health survey using internet tablets. Questions about access to health care included whether there had been a time when they had not accessed health care when needed, reasons for difficulty in accessing health care, current health concerns and health risk behaviours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One in six students (17%) had not seen a doctor or nurse when needed in the last 12 months. Female Maori and Pacific students and those living in neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation were more likely to report forgone health care. Students with chronic health problems, those engaging in health risk behaviours or experiencing symptoms of depression were more likely to report being unable to access health care when needed. Students reporting privacy concerns were more likely to report difficulty accessing health care for sensitive health issues, such as sexual health, emotional problems, pregnancy-related issues, stopping cigarette smoking, or alcohol or drug use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NZ secondary school students who forgo health care are at increased risk of physical and mental health problems and in need of accessible and confidential health services.
authors: Department of Community Paediatrics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. s.denny@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Denny
authors: Bridget
authors: B
authors: Farrant
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Cosgriff
authors: Mo
authors: M
authors: Harte
authors: Toby
authors: T
authors: Cameron
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Johnson
authors: Viv
authors: V
authors: McNair
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Utter
authors: Sue
authors: S
authors: Crengle
authors: Theresa
authors: T
authors: Fleming
authors: Shanthi
authors: S
authors: Ameratunga
authors: Janie
authors: J
authors: Sheridan
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011247:Pregnancy; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy