Determinants of Telemedicine Service Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundThe occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic demanded fast changes in the delivery of health care. As a result, significant growth in the use of telemedicine services occurred. Research, especially from nationally representative German samples, is needed to better understand determinants of telemedicine use. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify determinants of telemedicine service use among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. MethodsCross-sectional, nationally representative data were taken from the German sample of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The German Corona Survey 2 (n=2039), which was conducted between June and August 2021, was used for this study. Reporting experience with remote medical consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic served as the outcome measure. Associations with socioeconomic, psychological, social, health-related, and COVID-19–related determinants were examined using multiple Firth logistic regressions. ResultsPsychological factors including feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% CI 1.04-2.50; PPPPP ConclusionsMiddle-aged and older individuals in Germany seem to use telemedicine services according to psychological needs and health limitations. Especially when psychological symptoms are experienced, telemedicine seems to be a promising service option in this age group. Future research is needed to confirm these initial findings in postpandemic circumstances.