Determinants of Smart Healthcare Utilization: A Focus on Individual Characteristics and Goal-setting Behavior

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between individual characteristics and health-related behaviors in the context of wearable devices and information and communications technology (ICT) healthcare technology adoption and use. Methods: Using large data from the Smart Healthcare Pilot Project Phase 1, implemented by the Seoul Metropolitan government, we estimate the relationship between individual characteristics and health-related behaviors, namely, physical activity level and sustained usage of ICT. Results: Our empirical analysis reveals variations in physical activity levels and smart healthcare usage sustainability based on participants’ gender, age, obesity status, and goal-setting behavior at program initiation. Notably, we find that setting specific goals is positively associated with higher step counts and sustained engagement in wearable device usage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that future smart healthcare programs should adopt tailored approaches based on participant characteristics and emphasize the importance of goal-setting. Our research contributes to the understanding of factors influencing the effectiveness of wearable devices and ICT healthcare technologies in promoting health-related behaviors.