The Effects of Service Characteristics on Intention to Use Mobile Health Services: The Moderating Role of Innovativeness and Privacy Concern

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we explored how service characteristics (service relevance and service accuracy) interact to influence individuals' use intention of mHealth services. We also investigated the moderating roles of innovativeness and privacy concerns. Methods: To meet these objectives, we developed 6 hypotheses that were subsequently empirically validated using a survey to test the effects of service characteristics and personal traits on intention to use mHealth. Results: We confirm that service relevance and service accuracy positively and directly influence individuals' intention to use mHealth services. In addition, innovativeness positively affects the relationship between service relevance and use intention. Privacy concern negatively influences the relationship between service relevance and use intention, but positively influences the relationship between service accuracy and use intention. Conclusions: The present study provides new insights into the influencing factors of individuals' usage behavior toward mHealth services. Such insight could provide further understanding of how individuals adopt new information services or technologies, which contribute to both information system and healthcare research areas in a promising way.