Acceptance of Digital Discharge Management Interventions Among Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is an effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, but relapse rates remain high. Digital interventions can enhance patient care, yet research on the intention to use digital discharge management interventions is lacking. This study aims to assess the behavioral intention to use digital discharge management interventions after bariatric surgery and to identify differences in sociodemographic and medical characteristics, as well as potential key drivers and barriers. A cross-sectional study with N = 514 patients was conducted using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Mean scores for behavioral intention and predictors were calculated. Group differences were analyzed with independent t-tests and analyses of variance with post hoc tests. Drivers and barriers were assessed through multiple hierarchical regression analysis. The behavioral intention to use digital discharge management interventions was high. Significant predictors included age (β = −0.17, p < 0.001), eHealth literacy (β = 0.10, p = 0.037), internet anxiety (β = −0.15, p = 0.003), and time since bariatric operation (β = −0.13, p = 0.005). The predictors performance expectancy (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), and social influence (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) were significantly positive key factors. These results confirm the need for implementing digital discharge interventions after bariatric surgery, with various drivers and barriers identified for application usage.