Authors:
Luisa Sophie Vervier
;
André Calero Valdez
and
Martina Ziefle
Affiliation:
Human Computer Interaction Center, RWTH Aachen University, Campus Boulevard 57, Aachen and Germany
Keyword(s):
mHealth, Privacy Concerns, User Diversity, Attitude, eHealth Literacy.
Abstract:
Mobile health apps are a solution to make people more self-sufficient with their health in relation to their
lifestyle or medical needs. The mobile health landscape is growing, but still its usage rate is rather low. Since the
attitude towards mhealth apps has not been extensively studied so far, we conducted a multi-method approach
study in Germany. To understand people’s needs, preferences and attitudes towards mhealth applications
on the one hand and the antecedents of people’s attitudes towards mhealth applications on the other hand,
we chose a user-centered approach. To get first insights into users’ needs and attitudes, we conducted two
focus groups (N=11). Topics such as privacy concerns, data sharing and app functions have emerged as key
issues. Quantitatively, we operationalized the collected key topics as well as users’ attributes and personal
health attitudes. We collected 132 complete responses from originally 180 responses. We used partially-least
squares struct
ural equation modeling to identify the antecedents of attitudes towards mhealth applications.
Results indicate that time saving and daily life facilitating functions are favored app features. Further, we found
advantages (e.g. drink reminder) and disadvantages (e.g. data collection). Gender and age effects could be
detected regarding health literacy, privacy concerns, and data sharing. Older participants are more cautious and
reserved with the usage of health apps. Women in general show a higher health-literacy. eHealth literacy and
intention to share data were identified as being the strongest influence on a positive attitude towards mhealth
apps. To ensure that mhealth apps further enjoy a rising popularity, it is important to meet the users’ concerns
about privacy and help them to acquire eHealth literacy.
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