Elderly users’ acceptance of mHealth user interface (UI) design-based culture: the moderator role of age

Abstract

In the Arab world, mobile health (mHealth) applications are an effective way to provide health benefits to medically needy in the absence of health services. However, end users around the world use technology to perform tasks in a way that appears more natural, and closer to their cultural and personal preferences. Evidence from prior studies shows that culture is a vital factor in the success of a system or product. In view of this fact, this study investigated elderly Arab users’ acceptance of mHealth User Interface (UI) design-based culture. The TAM model was used to shape the theoretical foundation for this study with a questionnaire as data gathering tool from 81 participants. The findings showed that perceived ease of use and attitude towards use had a significant positive influence on users’ behavioral intention to use mHealth UI design-based culture. The impact of age on the relationship between ease of use, usefulness, and intention was significant. Overall, the findings showed that elderly Arab users found the UI design of mHealth acceptable due to its cultural significance. To enhance the design of mobile UI targeting elderly users, it is important to consider the cultural rules and their behavioral applications.