Factors influencing smartwatch use and comfort with health data sharing: a sequential mixed-method study protocol

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Smartwatches are increasingly used for health monitoring, generating valuable data for healthcare and public health.
• Understanding user engagement and data sharing willingness is crucial for maximizing the utility of this data.
• Existing research needs to comprehensively assess factors influencing both continued smartwatch use and data sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors driving the continued use of smartwatches among adult users.
• To assess the willingness of smartwatch users to share their generated health data.
• To explore the interplay between device usage patterns and data sharing intentions.

Main Methods:

• A two-section online survey (n ≥200) assessing smartwatch use (expectation-confirmation model) and data sharing willingness.
• Six focus groups (n=6 each) with general practitioners, public health specialists, and IT specialists, segmented by user age (18-44 and 45-64).
• Data analysis using descriptive statistics, structural equation modeling, and the microinterlocutor approach.

Main Results:

• The study will provide insights into the drivers of sustained smartwatch adoption.
• Key factors influencing the willingness to share personal health data from smartwatches will be identified.
• Differences in perspectives between age groups and professional roles regarding data sharing will be highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform strategies for promoting responsible use and sharing of smartwatch health data.
• This research will contribute to the ethical and effective integration of wearable technology in healthcare systems.
• The study aims to enhance public health initiatives through a deeper understanding of user behavior and data utility.