Pathways to usage intention of mobile health apps among hypertensive patients: A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of mHealth apps in managing hypertension has been proven; however, low usage intention remains a significant challenge, warranting an in-depth exploration of the influencing factors. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the factors influencing hypertensive new users’ intention to use mobile health applications through a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to investigate the combinations of various determinants, including technology acceptance, adoption factors, compliance behavior initiation factors, and time motivation factors for decision making. Results: A total of 100 middle-aged and elderly hypertensive individuals participated in the survey, with 98 responses included in the final statistical analysis. The analysis identified four distinct configurations that contribute to high usage intentions, with solution consistency and coverage values of 0.93 and 0.36, respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that intervention strategies should account for the various pathways leading to usage intentions.