Eliminating Disparities in Young Adult Tobacco Use: The Need for Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

OBJECTIVES: There is limited data available specific to young adult tobacco use in Rhode Island. This study examines whether young adult cigarette and e-cigarette use varies by sociodemographics, mental health, and use of other substances. METHODS: This cross-sectional web-based survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, from May to October 2020. RESULTS: A total of 12.9% of young adults reported current cigarette or e-cigarette use. Young adults who currently used cigarettes or e-cigarettes were more likely to be white, non-Hispanic, younger, and have depressive symptoms, a depression diagnosis, suicide ideation, engage in harmful drinking, alcohol dependence, current marijuana use, and frequent marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS: To address the needs of disproportionately affected young adults, steps must be taken to integrate comprehensive, barrier-free, widely promoted coverage of tobacco cessation treatment in all behavioral healthcare settings.

Breaking Down Barriers: Young Adult Interest and Use of Telehealth for Behavioral Health Services

OBJECTIVES: Use of telehealth for behavioral health services has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines which young adults in Rhode Island were using these telehealth services and are interested in its use. METHODS: This cross-sectional web-based survey was administered in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, from May to October 2020. RESULTS: Results suggest sexual and gender minorities and those with low social status were more likely to access these services, highlighting its effectiveness at reaching disadvantaged young adults. Those with mental health symptoms were more likely to utilize telehealth, but those with substance use were not. CONCLUSIONS: There is a missed opportunity to target substance use telehealth services to this willing and interested population. Continued coverage and use of telehealth for mental health and substance use services is essential in breaking down barriers to care for young adults in Rhode Island.

Inequities Laid Bare: The Mental Health of Young Adults in Rhode Island During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study documents disparities in the mental health burden of young adults in Rhode Island during the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to essential worker status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and childhood trauma. A cross-sectional web-based survey of young adults aged 18 to 25 years conducted between May and October of 2020 assessed anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and thoughts of suicide. In fully adjusted regression models, (n =528 young adults) being an essential worker, a sexual minority, having lower relative SES, and having more adverse childhood experiences were significantly associated with negative mental health outcomes. In models adjusted for individual ACEs, exposure to mental illness in the household, physical violence between adults in the household, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse were independently associated with all three outcomes. Young adults most vulnerable and stigmatized in the community are also those who are most severely affected in terms of mental health.