[Challenges in the Analysis of Health Care Inequalities in Pediatric Rehabilitation]

Abstract

Background: Social inequalities on access and utilization of inpatient rehabilitation among adolescents have rarely been studied.

Methods: Parents of children with chronic health conditions (age of 7-17) were interviewed about access and utilization of inpatient rehabilitation. Parents were recruited through pediatricians as well as rehabilitation centers in Central Germany.

Results: Despite of numerous recruitment measures the participation by pediatricians was low. Also expanding the sample did not remedial. Furthermore, fewer adolescents with need of rehabilitation were achieved than expected. The analysis is subject to these restrictions, nevertheless, they still allow explorative statements about access and utilization of pediatric rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Despite major challenges in recruitment, pediatricians should be considered into analysis of inequalities in rehabilitation because of their gatekeeper function.