Exploring the Technology Acceptance of Wearable Medical Devices Among the Younger Generation in Malaysia: The Role of Cognitive and Social Factors

Abstract

AbstractThe technological advancements in the contemporary world have made the offsite monitoring of patients possible, allowing individuals to keep track of their health by using wearable medical devices (WMDs). The ability of such devices to monitor and communicate health-related information between patients and caregivers can potentially help in combatting non-communicable diseases. Such devices are expected to grow exponentially in demand with the rapid proliferation of ICT and empowerment by both knowledgeable consumers and wider penetration of IoT, catalyzed by the younger generation. Hence, this quantitative research study was conducted in the Klang Valley (consisting of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor states) to explore and compare the factors influencing the intention to use WMDs among the younger generation in Malaysia by extending the technology acceptance model with word of mouth and electronic word of mouth. The results show that perceived usefulness, word of mouth, and electronic word of mouth are the significant factors influencing the intention to use WMDs among the younger generation. Furthermore, Gen Y and Gen Z have different factors influencing their intention to use WMDs.KeywordsTechnology Acceptance ModelWearable Medical Devices (WMD)Younger GenerationGeneration YGeneration Z