The influence of digital literacy on mHealth app usability: The mediating role of patient expertise

Abstract

Objective

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are emerging as important healthcare technologies that can provide cost savings, better access to care, contribute to improved clinical outcomes, and support public health. An increasing number of mobile health (mHealth) applications are becoming available to download and use on mobile devices. However, unlocking this potential requires ensuring widespread acceptance and adoption of these applications. In this context, the aim of the study is to determine the impact of individuals’ digital literacy levels on mobile health application usability and the mediating role of patient expertise in this impact.

Methods

The population of our study consists of individuals who reside in Yozgat city center and are 18 years old and over. Within the scope of the study, 647 individuals who agreed to participate in the research were reached. A survey form consisting of four sections (Socio-demographic characteristics, Digital Literacy Scale, mHealth App Usability Questionnaire, and Patient Expertise Scale) was used as a data collection tool in the study. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data and partial least squares path analysis (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the research model.

Results

Digital literacy affects both patient expertise (β = 0.790, t = 35.560, p = 0.000) and mHealth app usability (β = 0.831, t = 46.020, p = 0.000). Additionally, it has been determined that patient expertise has a mediating role in the effect of digital literacy on mHealth app usability (β = 0.536, t = 17.477, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

It appears that individuals’ digital literacy is an important precursor to the usability of mHealth apps and increases their usage experience. In this sense, it is thought that the concept of digital literacy can be used to increase the usability of mHealth apps for individuals. Overall, the findings provide new evidence for the healthcare context by integrating user diversity, particularly individuals’ digital literacy, mHealth apps, and prior experience with mHealth.