Generation Z & Y preferences of user acceptance of mobile health recommender systems

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) applications provide equal reach to health care services at an affordable cost. mHealth can play a major role in enhancing the quality and access of health services in developing countries, still the adoption of mHealth in these countries is very low. On the other hand, younger generations have great dependence on mobile devices and have high potential to adopt mobile applications. The aim of this study is to investigate factors that affect user acceptance of mobile health recommender system among Generations Z (between 10 and 25 years old) & Y (between 26 and 40 years old). The research adopts Technology Acceptance Model (TAM3) constructs and extends them to include constructs related to Trust and Reputation, as mHealth is prone to uncertainty and vulnerability. Based on 136 valid responses collected from a survey, structural equation modelling SEM was employed to examine the research questions. The data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The results suggested that for generations Z & Y, Perceived Usefulness has a significant positive effect on behavioral intention to use mobile health recommender system. This direct relationship is affected by user characteristics, namely gender and experience using technology. Perceived Ease of Use and Trust in mHealth applications, significantly increase the Perceived Usefulness. The results reveal the importance of perceived reputation in building Trust in mHealth applications, and it is found that Output Quality has a positive influence on Reputation. Computer anxiety has a negative effect on Perceived Ease of Use. These findings provide a basis for improving the understanding toward factors affecting mHealth applications in developing countries. The study provides number of practical design recommendations for designers and service providers.