Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Aug 26, 2022
Date Accepted: Jan 1, 2023
Acceptability of technology-based physical activity interventions in post-bariatric surgery women: Insights from qualitative analysis using the UTAUT2 model
ABSTRACT
Background:
Bariatric surgery offers an opportunity for physical activity (PA) promotion due to patients’ increased ability to engage in PA. Technology-based PA interventions are promising tools for promoting PA to support patients in this key period. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT2) model is a recognized theoretical model for examining technology acceptability. Although a previous study reported that 92% of women with obesity have high acceptability of at least one technology-based PA intervention, little is known about the factors that lead to different levels of acceptability between technologies and therefore the reasons for choosing a preferred intervention.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to: (a) characterize the acceptability of three technology-based PA interventions (i.e., telehealth, active video game, mobile application) in the context of bariatric surgery, and (b) explore patients’ preference motives. This study, using a qualitative design, examined the suitability of the UTAUT2 model in this specific context.
Methods:
Participants (N = 26) read written French descriptions of the technology-based PA interventions with illustrations and chose their preferred intervention. Semi-directive interviews were conducted to explore the reasons for their choice of the preferred intervention, notably using the UTAUT2 framework. Data were analyzed based on inductive and deductive approaches.
Results:
All participants who preferred a technology-based PA intervention (i.e., active video game N = 10, mobile application N = 10, telehealth N = 6) expressed a behavioral intention to use it. In addition, some of them also expressed a high behavioral intention to use another technology (i.e., active video game N = 4, mobile application N = 1, telehealth N = 7). All the constructs of the UTAUT2 emerged during the qualitative interviews and were specified through subcategories. Additional constructs also emerged, especially other motivational factors.
Conclusions:
This study showed that, in the context of technology-based PA interventions for post-bariatric patients, the UTAUT2 is suitable, although additional motivational factors (which were not considered by the UTAUT2 model) should be considered.
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