Factors Associated with Telehealth Utilization among Older African Americans in South Los Angeles during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tavonia Ekwegh, Sharon Cobb, Edward K. Adinkrah, Roberto Vargas, Lucy W. Kibe, Humberto Sanchez, Joe Waller, Hoorolnesa Ameli and Mohsen Bazargan ()
Additional contact information
Tavonia Ekwegh: Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing (MMDSON), Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Sharon Cobb: Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing (MMDSON), Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Edward K. Adinkrah: Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Roberto Vargas: Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Lucy W. Kibe: Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Humberto Sanchez: Office of Research, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Joe Waller: Office of Research, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Hoorolnesa Ameli: Department of Emergency Medicine, Mellie’s Bank Hospital, Tehran 1135933763, Iran
Mohsen Bazargan: Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic transformed healthcare delivery with the expansive use of telemedicine. However, health disparities may result from lower adoption of telehealth among African Americans. This study examined how under-resourced, older African Americans with chronic illnesses use telehealth, including related sociodemographic and COVID-19 factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 150 middle-aged and older African Americans were recruited from faith-based centers from March 2021 to August 2022. Data collected included sociodemographics, comorbidities, technological device ownership, internet usage, and attitudes toward COVID-19 disease and vaccination. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with telehealth use. Results: Of the 150 participants, 32% had not used telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 75% reporting no home internet access and 38% having no cellular/internet network on their mobile device. Age, access to a cellular network on a mobile device, and wireless internet at home were significantly associated with the utilization of telehealth care. Higher anxiety and stress with an increased perceived threat of COVID-19 and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination were associated with telehealth utilization. Discussion: Access and integration of telehealth services were highlighted as challenges for this population of African Americans. To reduce disparities, expansion of subsidized wireless internet access in marginalized communities is necessitated. Education outreach and training by healthcare systems and community health workers to improve uptake of telehealth currently and post-COVID-19 should be considered.

Keywords: ethnic groups; COVID-19; telehealth service utilization; access to cellular network and Wi-Fi; older adults; African Americans (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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