Technology Access and Perceptions of Telehealth Services among Young Adults Involved in the Court System.

Purpose: This study examined access to technology and telehealth among young adults (ages 18-24) who were court -involved and were recruited from an alternative sentencing program in New York City. Methods: Using sequential mixed methods design, we examined demographic factors linked with access to technology and perceived usefulness of the Internet among n 1/4 321 young adults who were court -involved (75% male, 65% African American, 35% Latinx). We then conducted in-depth interviews with 27 young adults to elicit first -person account of their access to, interest in, and experience with technology and telehealth. Results: Although most participants had access to a phone with a data plan, a substantial proportion reported inconsistent access to the technology critical to telehealth. Certain young adults were more likely to lack consistent access to the technology needed for telehealth, including Black young adults, males, those with less than a high school diploma, those with a history of homelessness, and those who had difficulties paying for basic necessities. Qualitative interviews revealed that most had a strong self -efficacy using technology, while distrust of technology,