Factors Associated with Difficulty in Using the Community Based Services among Children with Special Health Care Needs

Despite various advances in the health care system, children with special health care needs (CSHCN) face difficulty in accessing required services. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with difficulty in using community based services, individual barriers and institutional barriers for CSHCN. Data were obtained from National Survey of CSHCN 2005-06. The Andersen Health Behavioral Model was used to identify predisposing, enabling and need factors. Logistic regression was performed. Education, region, race/ethnicity, number of children, insurance and satisfaction with services were associated with community based services. Results suggest functional limitations and severity of illness are associated with difficulty in using community based services. Further investigation is required to improve health care system.