Utilization of healthcare services among children members of Medical Insurance for a New Generation

OBJECTIVE: To describe the utilization and associated factors for preventive and curative care utilization among children affiliated to the Medical Insurance for a New Generation (SMNG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the 2009 National Survey of SMNG was analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis represented 1,316,867 children; 25% of urban and 37.5% of rural mothers that took their children to well-child visits. Covariates associated with preventive care utilization were children <12 months, low-birth weight, history of infectious or other diseases, mother >35 years, mother's literacy level of bachelor degree, housewife, attendance at >7 antenatal care visits, and living in a rural area. Curative care: 12% attended emergency room services, 5.4% were hospitalized and 66% received ambulatory care. Covariates associated with curative care utilization: child history of frequent diseases, mother living with husband/partner, mother's literacy level of bachelor degree, attendance >7 antenatal care visits and having paid work. CONCLUSION: It is needed to reinforce the programs encouraging mothers to seek preventive care regularly.