JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite a 40-year prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) the acquired im-munodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic prevails. Effective AIDS treatment requires spe-cialist care and high adherence often hindered by structural issues in care access. Innovative eHealth solutions like a treatment-supportive mobile applications, can help address these is-sues. Successful implementation depends on user acceptance. Acceptance can be opera-tionalized as behavioral intention and measured through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Objective:

This study examines the acceptance of a therapeutic app and factors influencing its use among men living with HIV.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 men living with HIV between September 2021 and April 2024. In addition to the collection of sociodemographic, medical and eHealth-related data, acceptance and its influencing factors were assessed by applying the UTAUT model. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.

Results:

High acceptance of treatment-supportive mobile applications in men living with HIV was re-ported by 45.3% (n = 78) of the participants. Significant predictors of acceptance were Age (β = -.27, p < .001), Health literacy regarding disease (β = .11, p < .001), eHealth literacy (β = .10, p = .001), Internet anxiety (β = -.18, p = .041), and the UTAUT predictors Effort expec-tancy (β = .38, p < .001), Performance expectancy (β = .24, p < .001) and Social influence (β = .40, p < .001). The UTAUT model explained 72% of the variance in acceptance.

Conclusions:

Since the acceptance of eHealth services is a reliable indicator of the actual usage behavior, the results of this study are a promising basis for the successful implementation of eHealth offerings in the group of men living with HIV.