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

摘要

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 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 .