The Adoption of MyData-Based Health Applications Among Elderly Citizens in Nordic Countries and the UK

Abstract

This study addresses a crucial gap in current literature by examining the use of MyData-based health apps among individuals aged 50 and above in the UK and Nordic nations. With the advancement of personalized health technologies, understanding the factors influencing adoption among the elderly is essential. The research provides insights tailored to this demographic within the broader framework of digital health adoption. The primary scientific objective was to identify technological and health-related factors influencing the willingness of senior adults (50 and above) to use MyData-based preventive healthcare applications. The conditions for adoption, technological considerations, health-related variables, willingness to share MyData, and demographic variations were explored. Grounded in the Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and Health Protection Motivation components, the research employed a quantitative approach, integrating a new concept called sharing personal data into the framework. Data collection occurred through an online survey in the UK and the Nordic region, yielding 374 responses from the Nordic sample and 1165 from the UK sample, resulting in a cleaned dataset of 1016. Findings revealed the significance of willingness to share MyData for both the UK and Nordic regions, with performance expectancy emerging as an outstanding technological factor for the Nordic population, but not for the UK. Across nations and genders, self-efficacy is portrayed as a strong driver in health-related aspects. These contribute to academic knowledge and have societal value by guiding the development of digital health solutions for the elderly, ultimately improving their quality of life and health outcomes.