JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mobile health (mHealth) harnesses the power of digital technology for medical and public health applications. Although mHealth holds potential for monitoring chronic conditions among older populations, the understanding of its adoption remains limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to understand the experiences of middle-aged and older adults with visual impairments as they adopt mHealth technologies for daily use, along with the challenges they perceive. Furthermore, it examined the impact of these technologies on their health behaviors and overall well-being.

Methods:

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted through cross-sectional interviews held via Zoom from June 1st to July 31st, 2023. The research framework was based on the MOLD-US framework.

Results:

Of the seven participants who took part in the Zoom interviews, three were male and four were female, with ages ranging from 53 to 70. Participants primarily tracked health data for health promotion and maintenance rather than for symptom monitoring or clinical regimens. Every participant monitored physical activities such as walking distance, step count, and sitting duration. Overall, there was a moderate to strong positive reception towards mHealth technology adoption among the participants.

Conclusions:

Middle-aged and older individuals with visual impairments establish daily health routines by monitoring personal health data, setting health goals, and modifying health behaviors, though they face challenges like complex interfaces and content structures. They faced similar challenges in adopting mHealth technologies as did younger individuals with visual impairments. Specifically, this demographic is influenced by ease of use and self-motivation. Design considerations should prioritize the individual’s health literacy and context, while also emphasizing the need for accessible manuals and training opportunities. Clinical Trial: N/A