Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 22, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 28, 2026
Association Between Wearable Device Adoption and Health-Related Lifestyle Behaviors in South Korea: A Panel Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Wearable devices have evolved rapidly from personal health management tools to potential public health interventions that support physical, mental, and social well-being. Despite their growing popularity within the framework of health-related lifestyle behaviors, important gaps remain in our understanding of the long-term, real-world impacts of the adoption of wearables.
Objective:
This study investigated the longitudinal association between wearable device adoption and engagement in health-related lifestyle behaviors using a nationally representative panel dataset from South Korea.
Methods:
Data from the 2016 and 2022 waves of the Korea Media Panel were analyzed. Health-related lifestyle behaviors in the physical, social, and cultural domains were quantified as annual activity counts. A difference-in-differences design with generalized estimating equations (Poisson distribution, log link) was employed to compare behavioral changes between new wearable adopters and nonadopters, adjusting for key demographic and socioeconomic factors. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine variations across sociodemographic groups.
Results:
Wearable adoption was associated with a significant increase in physical and cultural activities. Physical activity increased by 33% (rate ratio [RR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.61), and cultural activity increased by 74% (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.28-2.36); however, social activity showed no significant change. A strong age-related gradient was observed: older adults (aged ≥65 years) exhibited the largest gains, with a 383% increase in physical activity (RR 4.83, 95% CI 1.07-21.81), followed by substantial increases among adults aged 40–64 years. Subgroup analyses indicated that effects were generally consistent across sociodemographic groups, with age being the primary modifier.
Conclusions:
Wearable adoption was associated with sustained increases in physical and cultural health-related lifestyle activities, with the strongest effects observed among middle-aged and older adults. These findings suggest that wearables are practical and scalable tools that can support active lifestyles and may help reduce behavioral disparities. Clinical Trial: N/A
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