A Mobile Health Information Behavior Model: Theoretical Development and Mixed-Method Testing in the Context of Mobile Apps on Child Poisoning Prevention

Abstract

While several studies have explored the use of mobile health applications, few have observed determinants of mobile health information behavior. To develop a model explaining parents’ mobile information behavior on child poisoning prevention, we first explored relevant theories to suggest a theoretical model. In that, we combine existing models on risk and health information seeking, such as the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model, with models on the acceptance of mobile technologies, such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technologies. Thereafter, we employed a sequential mixed-method design with an initial qualitative study (four online focus groups with n = 25 parents in total) and a standardized online survey of n = 1,013 parents to evaluate our research model. Results confirm that both, determinants of information seeking and determinants of technology acceptance, contribute to the explanation of mobile information behavior. App use intention was mainly related to the performance expectancy of app use, the subjective information norm, and social influence on app use. To increase the usage of prevention apps and contribute to the reduction of child injuries, communication on poisoning apps should address subdimensions of the performance expectancy, such as their utility and peoples’ trust in app providers. Moreover, physicians are important multipliers for these messages.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The instrument of the focus group study can be found in the supplementary information here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11553-022-00978-6. The instrument and data of the standardized study are stored on the GESIS platform https://doi.org/10.7802/2425.

Ethical Considerations

Approval for both studies was provided in advance of the data collection by the advisory board on ethical issues of the University of Erfurt, numbers 20200819 and 20210715.

Notes

¹ Means and standard deviations reported here are based on our survey data.

Additional information

Funding

The project was funded by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Grant Agreement Number [60-0102-02.P580].