Factors That Influence the Intention to Use Self-Diagnosis Apps in Vietnam

Abstract

The research is financed by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No. 2019M661701

Abstract

Background: mHealth, which stands for Mobile Health, is a new concept that has emerged in recent years to talk about a new type of e-health. In mHealth medical activities are supported by mobile devices such as tablets and cell phones and these devices assist in tracking health status, support medical treatment, and support scientific research. The devices used in mHealth are not only limited to mobile phones but also includes laptops with wireless connection and hand-held wristbands that can collect and transmit information about the surrounding environment and the health status of the user. Using smartphones apps for medical and healthcare purposes is rapidly increasing. Some benefits of mHealth are connecting doctors and patients without meeting, tracking personal health data on smartphones, and performing treatments using the mHealth apps.

Methods: In this study, the factors that influence the intention to use self-diagnostic apps in Vietnam were examined. The research model was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and The Use of Technology model (UTAUT2) as well as the Theory of Perceived Risk (TPR). Data were collected through an online questionnaire and SPSS version 20 was employed to conduct regression analysis of the data of 482 respondents.

Results: The results revealed performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and social influence had a positive impact on the intention to use self-diagnostic apps. Furthermore, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and hedonic motivation had a strong impact on users’ intentions to use apps. While perceived risk had a negative effect, price value had no effect on users’ intention to use the apps.

Conclusions: An examination of the factors that influence individuals’ intention to use self-diagnostic apps in Vietnam can help app developers and marketers adjust their marketing strategies to meet customers’ needs.

Keywords: Diagnosis; mHealth; apps; UTAUT2; Vietnam

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/72-06

Publication date:March 31^st 2020