Factors Influencing Youths to Adopt Healthcare Applications to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Nishat Tamanna Mumu and Mazidul Islam
Online sub-editor, The Daily Janakantha, Bangladesh.
Assistant Professor, Mass Communication and Journalism, Khulna University, Bangladesh.
Abstract
This study explores the factors encouraging the adoption of healthcare applications among the youth to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The idea of the study came from the observation of the sudden emergence of healthcare application usage. A study found a 330% surge in health and fitness app usage over three years, highlighting the growing public inclination toward healthcare applications. The study was executed using qualitative and quantitative methods of research. It targeted 184 respondents for a survey from a population of 16,284, which represents students from three universities in Khulna city. Also, 12 healthcare providers participated in the key informant interview (KII). The researchers used the uses and gratifications theory and the diffusion of innovation theory to design questionnaires and draw results from the collected data. This study incorporated the perspectives of both healthcare consumers and providers to bring out the most suitable conclusion with strong evidence. The general findings revealed that the youth these days depend on the internet for healthcare, which eventually leads them to use healthcare applications as they find them cost-effective and available anywhere and anytime. A study stated that smartphone apps offer a low-cost, accessible alternative to in-clinic cessation programs, tailored to patients with chronic illnesses and available anytime. Again, the study suggests that the healthcare applications are mostly used to keep track of the menstrual cycle. Besides, the apps can be effective for those who have long-term health issues by helping them keep an eye on their regular diet and exercise. However, the study’s findings also indicate that people should only rely on the applications in cases of minor illnesses and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and they are advised to consult a medical professional in person for serious illnesses, as physical examination is an irreplaceable part of treatment.
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