Introduction:

Adolescence is considered a fundamental stage for the development of the individual. Since 2015, a comprehensive health care program for adolescents has been established in El Salvador.

Objective:

Characterize the main factors associated with non-adherence to the Comprehensive Health Care Program for adolescents aging 11 to 15 years, from Santa Ana municipality, El Salvador.

Methods:

Cross-sectional descriptive study at the first level of care of Santa Ana municipality, from January to March 2018. An instrument made by the authors was applied. The sample was of 247 adolescents who were controlled and registered.

Results:

Most adolescents were females, 65.2% lived in rural areas, 96% were studying, only 32.8% knew about the programme and it was being used by 48.1% (15.8% of all interviewees), and the way they knew about it was by the health promoter (63%). The main factors related to not knowing on the program were: living in the urban area, junior high school level, being a student, living near the health center and not having health promoter. Only work was significant (prevalence rate 1.71 CI 95 % 1.17-2.51) for not being adherent.

Conclusions:

Despite the efforts of the State, health services for adolescents should be redirected in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the country's regulatory documents and legal framework, emphasizing in actions to promote early demand and provide comprehensive care services.

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