Telehealth Utilization During COVID-19 Among People with Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions.

Andersen, Jennifer A; Rowland, Brett; Gloster, Erin; McElfish, Pearl A

Background: Despite the potential benefits and the demonstrated uptake throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, studies have found that telemental health is still underused. The objective of the study was to explore the associations between mental health diagnoses and telehealth utilization during the pandemic. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey among adult Arkansans (n = 754). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression and telehealth utilization. Results: Forty-two percent of respondents reported utilizing telehealth during the pandemic. Respondents with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression had three times greater odds of utilizing telehealth (odds ratio = 2.97) than those with no diagnoses. Discussion: Utilization of telehealth care during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower in our sample compared with other nationally representative surveys; however, utilization was higher among people with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. Conclusions: The results indicate the need for outreach to increase telehealth utilization.