Investigating Factors Affecting Elderly's Intention to Use m-Health Services: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Background: m-Health as an important part of e-health has recently become one of the most influential initiative in healthcare sector all over the world. In developing countries healthcare service providers started to provide m-health services from the last few years. Despite the widespread acceptance of mobile phones, the adoption of m-health among elderly is significantly low in developing countries. However, little research has been conducted to explore factors influencing elderly's intention to use m-health services particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the elderly's intention to use m-health services.

Materials and methods: To assess elderly's intention to use m-health services, this study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data were collected from participants of age 60 years and above. The partial least square method based on structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.

Results: The study found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and perceived credibility (p < 0.05) had significant influence on elderly's intention to use m-health services. However, facilitating condition (p > 0.05) had no significant influence on elderly's intention to use m-health services.

Conclusions: The findings of this study may become beneficial for the governments, policy makers, and healthcare service providers in developing countries.

Keywords: UTAUT; developing country; elderly; m-health.