The association of psychosocial factors with willingness to use smartwatch-based out-of-hospital cardiac arrest detection in the general population

Abstract

Objective: Wearable-based technology could provide a feasible solution for early recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The current study investigates the role of demographic and psychological factors towards willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection in the general population.

Methods: Data were obtained from a Dutch community-based sample (N = 598; mean age = 48.3 (SD = 16.7) years, 51.5 % women). Willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection was assessed with two specifically designed Likert-scale questions. Reasons for and against using the smartwatch were explored using qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended question answers.

Results: The mean willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection was moderately high (M = 3.54, SD = 1.06; range 1-5). Men (Cohen's d = 0.19, p = .018) and current health technology users (Cohen's d = 0.26, p = .004) reported a higher willingness. Regression analyses indicated that younger age (β = -0.165, p < .001) and a higher willingness to share health-related data (β = 0.298, p < .001) were associated with willingness to use this technology. There were no associations with the presence of cardiovascular disease, perceived OHCA risk or psychological factors. Qualitatively assessed benefits included a higher chance of survival and generally feeling safer, while reasons against included the absence of necessity, stress, privacy and financial barriers.

Conclusion: Demographics and technological experience were associated with willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection. Qualitative analyses indicate a potential role for psychological factors. Further studies are needed with real-life prototypes among cardiac patients at risk of OHCA.

Keywords: Behavioural intention; Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; Psychological profile; Psychosocial factors; Smartwatch-based detection; Wearable technology.