Intersectional Disparities in Digital Health and Mental Health Service Use Among US Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A cross-sectional analysis of a national survey was conducted to examine the prevalence of digital health and digital mental health service use among US adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study aimed to identify heterogeneity by sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and their intersection, as sexual minority youth, particularly sexual minority youth of color, report elevated mental health challenges and persistent barriers to care.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities and catalyzed a shift toward digital health and digital mental health services, making it challenging to understand digital exclusion and the digital divide.
The study used nationally representative data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (N=7705).
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health disparities among sexual minority youth, particularly those of color.
Author's summary: This study examines digital health disparities among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.