Influencing factors: Unveiling patterns and reasons in telehealth care utilization and adoption/avoidance decisions

The rapid expansion of telehealth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted gaps in understanding demographic and health factors shaping its use. Exploring reasons behind individuals' choices regarding telehealth can guide strategies to promote adoption among diverse populations.

Data from 5,119 participants in the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed. Dependent variables included telehealth usage and reasons for choosing or avoiding it. Independent variables included demographics, general health, and mental health. Associations were examined using multiple logistic regression models.

Factors significantly associated with higher odds of telehealth use included education (college graduate: OR = 1.57, 95 % CI [1.19, 2.06]), gender (male: OR = 0.69, 95 % CI [0.55, 0.87]), rural residency (nonmetro: OR = 0.72, 95 % CI [0.53, 0.97]), depression (OR = 2.91, 95 % CI [2.29, 3.71]), age (e.g., 35-49: OR = 1.66, 95 % CI [1.2, 2.29]), and general health status (good: OR = 0.78, 95 % CI [0.61, 1], excellent or very good: OR = 0.74, 95 % CI [0.58, 0.95]). Older individuals preferred telehealth for convenience but inclined to avoid it in favor of in-person visits. Asian and other group were less likely to use telehealth for seeking advice and including others in visits.

Disparities in telehealth utilization were observed across gender, age, education, health status, and urbanization levels. Policymakers should focus on equitable delivery methods, updated regulatory frameworks, and reducing access disparities, especially in underserved communities.