ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Access to health care services such as screening, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is vital for those who engage in high-risk behaviors. Studies examining the relationship between high-risk behaviors and health care access and utilization are crucial for determining whether persons at risk are receiving appropriate health services. METHODS: We examined 2016 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Our study population included persons aged 18 to 65 years. χ and logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships between high-risk behaviors including drug use and high-risk sexual behaviors, and access to and utilization of health care services. RESULTS: Among our study population, 6.2% engaged in a high-risk behavior in the past year. Those engaging in high-risk behaviors were more likely to have no health insurance coverage (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.34), have no personal health care provider (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.21), have foregone care because of cost (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.42-1.65), or have had no routine check-up in the past 2 years (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Those who engaged in high-risk behaviors had poorer health care access and utilization outcomes. Future studies should incorporate the relationships between changes in behaviors, health care access and utilization, and resulting sexually transmitted disease morbidity.
