Erweiterung des UTAUT2-Technologieakzeptanzmodells zur Vorhersage der Akzeptanz von mHealth am Beispiel von Diabetes

Background: Mobile health applications (mHealth) are becoming increasingly important, especially for the self-management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Despite their potential, mHealth applications are not used by all patients due to acceptance problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the acceptance of mHealth applications using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) technology acceptance model and to further develop UTAUT2 for the mHealth sector. Methods: This study is based on a mixed methods approach. In the first, qualitative research phase, relevant mHealth acceptance factors are identified and then integrated and validated in the UTAUT2 model in the subsequent quantitative research phase. Results: The study shows that the UTAUT2 constructs performance expectancy and habit have a significant influence on the acceptance of mHealth applications. In addition, two new constructs, trust, and perceived disease threat, were identified in the qualitative study and confirmed in the subsequent quantitative study. Discussion: In this study, the UTAUT2 model was successfully extended and validated for the mHealth context by the constructs trust and perceived disease threat.