An adoption model of mHealth applications that promote physical activity

Abstract

Physical activity is one of the ways to promote a healthy and balanced life. There is growing evidence that physical activity can be promoted through the use of mHealth applications. However, the adoption of such applications is influenced by many factors. This study investigates these factors and the relationship among them to propose a model for the adoption of mHealth applications that promote physical activity. The study has adopted two theoretical lenses as the guiding frameworks, namely the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Data has been collected from a convenient sample of 140 respondents from South Africa, using a survey questionnaire. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to assess the proposed model. The results have revealed that awareness, effort expectancy, social influence and behavioural intention explain 35.3% of the variance of the use behaviour towards adopting mHealth applications that promote physical activity in South Africa. Hence, this study recommends that any intervention that seeks to promote the adoption of mobile applications to encourage physical activity should consider these factors.