Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: May 13, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: May 16, 2024 - Jul 11, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 19, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Opportunities and Challenges Surrounding the Use of Wearable Sensor Bracelets for Infectious Disease Detection During Hajj: A Qualitative Interview Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Wearable sensor bracelets have gained interest for their ability to detect symptomatic and presymptomatic infections by detecting alterations in physiological indicators. Nevertheless, the utilisation of these devices for public health surveillance among attendees of large-scale events like Hajj , the Islamic religious mass gathering held in Saudi Arabia, is currently in a nascent phase.
Objective:
To explore Hajj stakeholders’ perspectives on the use of wearable sensor bracelets for disease detection.
Methods:
We conducted a qualitative, theoretically informed, interview-based study from March 2022 to October 2023, involving a diverse sample of Hajj stakeholders, including technology experts, healthcare providers, and Hajj service providers. The study was guided by the Task-Technology Fit Model (TTF) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the acceptance and utilisation of the technology. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were employed to capture perspectives on using wearable sensor bracelets for infectious disease detection in Hajj. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted.
Results:
A total of 14 individuals were interviewed. Implementing wearable sensor bracelets for disease detection during Hajj faces obstacles from multiple perspectives, encompassing users, providers, and technological factors. Hajj stakeholders are concerned about the substantial financial and operational barriers. The motivation of providers and users is essential for the acceptance and uptake of devices during Hajj. Successful integration of wearables into the Hajj surveillance system depends on several factors, including infrastructure, device features, suitable use cases, training, and a smooth organisational integration process.
Conclusions:
This study provides valuable insights into the potential opportunities and challenges of adopting wearable sensor bracelets for disease detection during Hajj. It offers essential factors to consider and important suggestions to enhance comprehension and ensure the effective implementation of this technology.
Citation
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Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.