Intersectional Disparities in Digital Health
A study examined digital health and mental health service use among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background
Sexual minority youth, especially those of color, face elevated mental health challenges and barriers to care, which the pandemic exacerbated.
Objective
The cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of digital health service use among US adolescents and examine heterogeneity by sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.
- Nationally representative data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (N=7705) were used.
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a shift toward digital health and digital mental health services.
Author's summary: Digital health disparities affect US youth.