Inequitable access to general and behavioral healthcare in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic: A role for telehealth?

ABSTRACT: Wide-ranging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased psychological distress and alcohol consumption, and disproportionate hardship for disadvantaged groups. Early in the pandemic, telehealth services were expanded to maintain healthcare access amidst lockdowns, medical office closures, and fear of infection. This study examines general and behavioral healthcare access and disparities during the first year of the pandemic. Data are from the 2019-2020 US National Alcohol Survey (collected February 2019 to April 2020) and its COVID follow-up survey conducted January 30 to March 28, 2021 (N = 1819). General and behavioral healthcare-related outcomes were assessed at follow-up, and included perceived need for and receipt of care, delayed care, and use of telehealth since April 1,

SUBMITTER: Mulia N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9877144 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature