The intention to use E-mental health applications among people with non-Western migration backgrounds

Purpose Despite the opportunities and benefits of electronic mental health (EMH), migrants often lack (adequate) access to digital healthcare. To increase migrants’ access to EMH, this study aims to empirically examine the factors associated with the intention to use EMH among first- and second-generation migrants with a non-Western background, based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as well as relevant literature. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among non-Western migrants in the Netherlands (n = 349). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify explanatory factors for the intention to use EMH. Differences between higher and lower-educated and first- and second-generation migrants were tested with t-tests and ANOVA. Findings Respondents reported a moderate intention to use EMH (M 3.27, 5-point Likert scale). Intention appeared to be related to the perceived benefit of starting treatment earlier with EMH, empathy and tailoring of the caregiver and performance expectancy beliefs. Demographic variables did not directly explain intention, but second-generation migrants showed significantly higher intention and literacy levels than first-generation migrants. EMH thus seems particularly valuable for providing information and self-help activities to precede therapy, allowing one to start treatment earlier than with face-to-face treatment only. Originality/value Findings suggest that UTAUT provides a good starting point for explaining the intention to use EMH, with an emphasis on performance expectancy for the migrant population, together with the factors derived from the literature.