Examining Telehealth Use by Young Adults

Undergraduate Research Center

10 January 2023

Project Objective

Paige Sonido '23 and Abigail Tobin '23 contributed to a study led by Samantha Rosenthal when they were undergraduate students in JWU’s Health Science program. The study worked to identify use of telehealth for behavioral health services by young adults in Rhode Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Goals & Skills

Health Science graduate Abigail Tobin '23

Rosenthal, Noel, Sammartino, Sonido and Tobin used cross-sectional web-based survey data of young adults from Rhode Island for analysis. They analyzed results taken from May to October 2020 and determined participants’ gauged interested in telehealth for behavioral health services and perception of care.

“Being a part of the URC has given me an immense sense of community in addition to research and community outreach skills.”

Results & Future Implications

Results suggest that individuals who identify within sexual and gender minority groups, as well as those with low social status were more likely to utilize telehealth services. Services are highly affective in reaching disadvantaged young adults, and those with mental health-related challenges. However, young adults with substance abuse histories were less likely to use telehealth services.

Findings suggest a missed opportunity to target substance use telehealth services for this population. Continued use of these services for mental health and substance use is essential for health care related to Rhode Island’s youth population.

The Benefits of Working on Research

Health Science graduate Paige Sonido '23

For Sonido, the benefits of participating in a research project like this one helped her grow professionally: “Not only did the URC help me grow as a student, researcher, and leader, but it also became a strong support system for me in all facets of life. It was an honor to work alongside bright students and devoted faculty on meaningful projects that made a true difference.”

For Tobin, the opportunity for collaboration with the community was most fruitful: “Being a part of the URC has given me an immense sense of community in addition to research and community outreach skills. I’ve had the privilege and honor of working with amazing mentors and teammates.”

Sonido was honored with the Owen Manahan Award for her work with Tobin, Rosenthal, Sammartino and Noel.

Top inset: Abigail Tobin graduated from JWU’s Health Science program in 2023. Bottom inset: Paige Sonido graduated from JWU’s Health Science program in 2023.