Evaluating the Use of Telehealth for Preventive and Mental Healthcare Services among U.S. Adults

Author

• Samuel Anokye-Mensah, GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYFollow

Term of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Health Policy and Management (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Health Policy and Community Health

Committee Chair

Samuel T. Opoku

Committee Member 1

Bettye Apenteng

Committee Member 2

William Mase

Abstract

Telehealth has emerged as an essential tool in expanding access to preventive and mental healthcare services, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-person visits. However, disparities remain in how individuals utilize telehealth based on self-efficacy and mental health severity. This study examines the relationship between self-efficacy and telehealth utilization for preventive care services. It also explores how mental health severity influences telehealth use for mental healthcare services, with gender as a moderating factor. Secondary data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6) was analyzed using weighted logistic regression models. The findings indicate that individuals with lower self-efficacy are less likely to use telehealth for preventive care.

Additionally, without statistical significance, greater severity of mental health is associated with greater utilization of telehealth for mental health treatment, with no statistically significant variation between men and women. These findings necessitate enhancing digital health literacy and promoting equal access to telehealth among the mentally ill and those having varying confidence levels in self-management of health. Any future interventions should focus on enhancing access to telehealth using culturally appropriate models of care to engage with diverse groups.

OCLC Number

N/A

Catalog Permalink

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Recommended Citation

Anokye-Mensah, Samuel, "Evaluating the Use of Telehealth for Preventive and Mental Healthcare Services Among U.S. Adults" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Georgia Southern University.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No