Behavioral intention to use mobile health (mHealth) technologies among caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: According to an analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths caused by cancer has increased every year from 1990 to 2017. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are powerful tools to improve cancer awareness by providing educational information. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine factors affecting the behaviors among caregivers of cancer patients in Malaysia using mHealth technologies. METHODS: The study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model as a theoretical framework, with the I-Change Model (ICM) to extend the UTAUT2. The population element in this research study focused on caregivers of cancer patients who own a smartphone capable of accessing the internet and can download mobile applications. SmartPLS was used for model and construct testing. A total of 131 sets of valid data were collected from the target population through an online survey. RESULTS: Results showed Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Condition (FC), Habit (HT), Awareness Factor (AWN), and Perceived Privacy Risk (PPR) were found to be significant constructs. Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), Hedonic Motivation (HM), and Price Value (PV) were not significant constructs. CONCLUSION: This study provided baseline data on the use of mHealth technologies to the caregivers of cancer patients in Malaysia to reduce their caregiving burden.