Publication:

Utilization of adolescent health services: is there a need for digitalization?

Background Adolescents have unique healthcare needs, yet utilization of adolescent-friendly health services remains low due to individual, sociocultural, and health-system barriers. Digital health interventions may enhance accessibility and engagement with healthcare services. This study assessed the utilization of adolescent health services, factors influencing utilization, and the perceived need for digitalization of these services.

Methods A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted among 100 adolescents aged 10–19 years residing in selected Urban Primary Health Centre areas of Visakhapatnam district. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a face-validated semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with adolescents, parents, and healthcare providers and analysed thematically.

Results Good awareness of adolescent health services was observed among 53% of participants, whereas only 14% reported good utilization. Awareness was significantly associated with female gender (p=0.02) and higher educational status (p=0.048). Utilization was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p=0.038) and preference for government healthcare providers (p<0.001). Facilitators included school-based sensitization, parental encouragement, and support from frontline health workers. Qualitative findings identified gaps in awareness, stigma, long waiting times, and preference for private healthcare services as barriers to utilization. Participants perceived digitalization as beneficial for improving privacy, accessibility, health information dissemination, and appointment scheduling.

Conclusions A substantial awareness utilization gap exists among adolescents. Strengthening adolescent-friendly services and integrating digital health solutions may improve healthcare utilization among adolescents.