Determinants of mobile health application awareness and use in India: An empirical analysis

Abstract

Purpose-To examine the influence of mobile health in improving health service delivery in India. With this aim, the current research examines the role of individuals' cognitive factors, characteristics of mobile-service, and health-related behaviour from a technology viewpoint towards awareness and use of mobile health applications. Design/methodology/approach-Quantitative approach has been used with data being collected both online and offline through structured questionnaires. The factors for determining variables for awareness and use were prepared based on technology acceptance and health belief literature. A sample size of 528 responses was analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings-Mobile service enabled empowerment and health information orientation were found to have a direct influence on awareness and use. Originality/value-Earlier studies on mobile health relating to India explains its importance in health service delivery and were adequate in explaining individuals' cognitive factors, characteristics of mobile-service, and health-related behaviour from a technology viewpoint on awareness and use. Therefore, the current study attempts to establish relationships between these factors for measuring awareness and use. Drawing on the statistical inferences, the implication has been recommended. © 2020 ACM.