Intersectional Disparities in Digital Health
A cross-sectional analysis of a national survey examined digital health and mental health service use among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sexual minority youth, particularly those of color, face elevated mental health challenges and barriers to care, which were exacerbated by the pandemic.
Objectives and Methods
The study aimed to identify the prevalence of digital health and digital mental health service use among US adolescents during the pandemic, examining heterogeneity by sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.
Nationally representative data were obtained from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (N=7705).
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a shift toward digital health and digital mental health services, making it challenging to understand digital exclusion and the digital divide.
Author's summary: Examining digital health disparities among US youth.