Young people’s access to healthcare varies sharply depending on their income and location. A new study from Imperial College Business School reveals that adolescents aged 14 to 17 in wealthier areas have better and faster access to outpatient care, including mental health and dental services. In contrast, those in poorer areas face significant barriers to preventative healthcare.
They endure longer waiting times and are more likely to miss or cancel appointments, although the study does not explore why. This lack of access can lead to worsening health, pushing these young people to rely more on emergency care when urgent treatment is needed.
Health inequalities
The research, using data from the “Next Steps” study, tracked over 13,000 individuals born in England in 1989-1990, starting with interviews at ages 14-15 and 16-17. More than 4,000 of these individuals were later linked to their hospital records at age 25, providing a comprehensive view of their healthcare usage over time.
“Our study reveals a clear divide in healthcare access between adolescents from deprived areas and those from wealthier backgrounds,” the researchers note.
Although the study focuses on millennials now in their 30s, its findings remain relevant for today’s teens, who have faced additional challenges, particularly in mental health, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lack of care
“The disparity suggests that poorer adolescents are more dependent on emergency care, likely due to inadequate access to regular, preventative services. This situation may have worsened during the pandemic, with lockdowns impacting young people’s mental health,” the authors explain.
The study highlights the significant role of economic circumstances in shaping young people’s healthcare experiences. It quantified the impact of factors outside their control, such as parents’ socioeconomic status and regional differences, alongside lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and sports participation.
While lifestyle choices do play a role, the study found that the biggest determinants of healthcare access were parents’ socioeconomic status and the region in which the adolescents lived. Those in more affluent areas generally experienced shorter waits for outpatient care, which helps prevent minor health issues from escalating into emergencies. Conversely, limited access to such care in poorer areas often forces young people to depend on accident and emergency departments.
Poorer services
The researchers also found disparities in emergency care access. Emergency services in poorer regions tend to be overstretched and underfunded compared to those in wealthier areas. This results in longer waiting times and greater strain on resources in deprived areas, which can exacerbate existing health inequalities. This is supported by Census data showing higher emergency room visits in more deprived areas.
“Young people from poorer backgrounds generally have worse health, and without proper healthcare access, they risk being trapped in a cycle of poor health and inadequate treatment,” the researchers conclude.
The study warns that without targeted policies to address these issues, the UK risks failing its commitment to provide equitable healthcare based on need, not wealth.
