They are also delayed in recognizing or acknowledging their pregnancy. Poverty is the single most important factor affecting the health status of adolescents. Adolescents, age 15-19, are more likely than any other age group to be uninsured or underinsured. Youths comprise nearly one third of the 37 million Americans without insurance. Many insurance plans do not have coverage for preventive care, counseling, substance abuse, or other health related required services.
Some adolescents face cultural barriers in accessing health care.
Some ethnic minorities are kept from using existing facilities because of the lack of culturally appropriate services and culturally sensitive providers. This makes it difficult for ethnic minority youth to receive appropriate services. Adolescent perceptions of barriers to care differ from provider perceptions. Adolescents identify factors related to site and provider cleanliness, infection control, provider competency and confidentiality as the principal barriers to seeking care. Confidentiality is central to a trusting relationship between an adolescent and provider.