Intention-Behavior Gap in the Use of Personal Health Records (PHRs)

Abstract

This paper examined an intention-behavior gap in individuals' personal health records (PHRs) adoption behaviors using Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB) that incorporates social factors. Using structural equation modeling, the authors analyze the health information national trends survey data. The research found that all of the constructs, except for perceived behavioral control (PBC), shape intentions to use PHRs. However, PBC only predicts actual use. Individuals who have higher intentions tend to believe that healthcare providers should be able to share their patients' PHRs with other professionals and that scientists should be able to review de-identified patient PHRs. Individuals who perceive that a need exists for privacy control over their own health information tend to have higher intentions. The moderating social factors between intentions and actual behaviors are healthcare accessibility and being female, while education (positively) and employment (negatively) have significant relationships with actual use of, but not with intentions to use, PHRs. Future research needs to explicate why the moderating effect revolves around gender.