JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In addition to standard geriatric care services, mobile medical devices have proved to be an effective tool for controlling the health of older adults.However, little is known about the variables driving the acceptance of these gadgets and the willingness of older people in China to utilize them.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to look into the factors that influence older persons in China's use of mobile health devices on an individual, social, and family level.

Methods:

The Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents survey database provided the data for this study. The survey was conducted in 148 Chinese cities between June 20 and August 31, 2022.The parameters linked to older persons' desire to use mobile medical devices were determined by this study using a combination model of multiple stepwise linear regression and a CART decision tree.

Results:

4085 senior citizens in all took part in the poll. On a scale of 0 to 100, the average score for willingness to adopt mobile health devices was 63.70±25.11. The results of the multiple stepwise linear regression showed that postgraduate degree and above（β=0.040, P=0.007), unemployed(β=0.037, P=0.02), high social status(β=0.085,P<.001), high health literacy(β=0.089,P<.001), high self-efficacy(β=0.043, P=0.02), whether not living with children(β=0.0340,P=0.02), per capita monthly income of the household (>4,000 yuan:β=0.048,P=0.002), high perceived social support(β=0.096,P<.001), high quality of life(β=0.149,P<.001, family communication (β=-0.071,P<.001), identity bubble (β=0.085,P<.001), (not having chronic diseases(β=0.049,P=0.001),and mild depression(β=-0.035,P=0.02) were associated with elderly peoples’ willingness to use mobile health devices. The CART decision tree model’s findings demonstrated that perceived the primary determinants of older adults' desire to use mobile health devices are quality of life, identity bubble, social status, health literacy, family health, and perceived social support.

Conclusions:

This study uses the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model to investigate the effects of demand variables, enabling resources, and predisposing traits on older persons' propensity to use mobile health devices. These results offer reference data for the marketing and use of mHealth devices for older individuals in the future.The ultimate goal of this strategy is to bring technology and humanistic care into harmonious harmony. Clinical Trial: China Clinical Trial Registry (registration no ChiCTR2200061046)