Exploring Telehealth Utilization Among Seniors in Community Wellness Centers in DC During the Pandemic

Telehealth utilization (TU) increased during the pandemic. Currently, there is limited literature on telehealth use among older adults. This study aims to examine the prevalence and predictive factors of telehealth use among seniors from wellness centers in Washington, DC and to explore barriers associated with TU during the pandemic.

A cross-sectional study was done among members of senior wellness centers in DC who were ≥60 years old. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted for all study variables. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess predictive factors of TU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bivariable associations between telehealth barriers and study factors were also evaluated. All statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28 at an alpha level of 0.05.

A total of 105 seniors were included in the study. Of them, 72.4% were female, 57.7% had public health insurance, 88.6% were African American, and 48.6% reported they have remote visits using any type of device. Multivariable analysis showed that gender (p = 0.010), computer access (p < 0.001), communal housing (p = 0.039), and computer self-efficacy (CSE) (p = 0.047) were significant predictors of TU. Fear of fraud, navigation, and computer access were barriers identified as factors associated with gender, age, and having a remote connection, respectively.

Findings showed that only 48.6% of seniors in DC used telehealth during the pandemic, with gender, computer access, communal housing, and CSE playing a significant role. More studies are needed to confirm our study findings. Targeted policies are needed to sustain telehealth use after the pandemic.