Use of telehealth by US adults with depression or anxiety disorder: Results from 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey.

Background: Telehealth use has significantly increased recently. However, little is known about its use by individuals with depression or anxiety disorders. This study aims to explore the patterns of telehealth use among those individuals.

Methods: Data used were from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) cycle 6. Weighted logistic regression was performed to test the association between depression/anxiety disorder and telehealth use, and to explore reasons for using/not using telehealth among those with depression/anxiety, compared to those without.

Results: Out of the 4952 study participants, 2887 (weighted percentage: 39.36%) had used telehealth in the past 12 months. Those with depression/anxiety disorder had significantly higher telehealth use, compared to those without (57% vs. 32%; OR = 2.65; 95% CI: (2.04, 3.43)). Factors affecting telehealth use could differ by depression/anxiety disorder status. Among those with depression/anxiety disorder, being woman or married was not associated with telehealth use, whereas they were significant factors among those without depression/anxiety disorder. Among those with depression/anxiety, non-Hispanic Black participants (OR = 0.51; CI: (0.78, 0.94)) were less likely to use telehealth, compared to non-Hispanic White participants; additionally, higher income was associated with telehealth use. Regarding reasons for using telehealth, convenience (OR = 1.80; CI: (1.21, 2.68)) and avoiding COVID infection (OR = 1.40; CI: (1.06, 1.86)) were more likely considered by those with depression/anxiety disorder.

Conclusion: Individuals with depression/anxiety disorder were more likely to use telehealth and to do so for reasons of convenience and avoiding infection. Promoting telehealth to those with depression/anxiety disorder should consider their unique utilization patterns.