Factors influencing the usage intention of mHealth apps. A pilot study among the students of healthcare faculties

Abstract

Abstract Background Health mobile applications are currently a dynamically developing trend in healthcare. They are used as a diagnostic and therapeutic support, in storing data about the patient's health, in disease prevention, and in health education. The aim of this study was to investigate the technology acceptance and usability of a mobile health applications among selected groups of students of healthcare faculties. Methods The research adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and extended it by including variables: Perceived Trust and Privacy Concerns. The model was validated, showing good fit of measurement to the collected data of 110 respondents from two universities. Results It was found that behavioral intention to use mobile health apps among students is significantly and positively influenced by all UTAUT2 factors, and Performance Expectancy and Habit are the strongest predictors. The weakest predictor were Privacy Concerns. Contrary to previous studies, it was shown that only place of residence of respondents has the significant impact on behavioral intentions related to the use of health mobile application – age, gender, education level, type of school did not play a significant role. The findings have both research and practical implications.