Factors Associated with Telehealth Utilization among Economically Disadvantaged Youth Receiving Sexual Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Telehealth services for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are available to youth, but inequities in their use persist.
• Economically disadvantaged youth face unique challenges in accessing and utilizing telehealth services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore access to telehealth technology, attitudes, intentions, barriers, and facilitators among economically disadvantaged youth.
• To examine predictors of telehealth use for SRH services in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 347 participants aged 18-24 years at urban family planning and school-based clinics.
• Data collected included attitudes, intentions, barriers, facilitators, and appointment type (telehealth vs. in-person).
• Statistical analyses identified predictors of telehealth use.

Main Results:

• 37% of participants scheduled telehealth appointments, reporting favorable attitudes but concerns about privacy and technology reliability.
• While nearly all had device and internet access, 37% distrusted their technology.
• Positive attitudes towards telehealth and prior telehealth experience significantly predicted telehealth use.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth use for SRH services among economically disadvantaged youth is primarily influenced by attitudes and prior experience, not technology access.
• Addressing negative attitudes and enhancing positive perceptions are crucial for increasing telehealth adoption in SRH services.