User Experiences and Attitudes Toward Sharing Wearable Activity Tracker Data with Healthcare Providers: A...

Background/Objectives: Wearable activity trackers (WATs) are increasingly used by individuals to monitor physical activity, sleep, and other health behaviors. Integrating WAT data into clinical care may offer a cost-effective strategy to support health behavior change. However, little is known about users' willingness to share their WAT data with healthcare providers. This study aimed to explore attitudes and experiences of WAT users regarding the sharing of WAT data with healthcare providers and to examine how these vary according to user characteristics. Methods: An international online cross-sectional survey was conducted on adults who had used a WAT within the past three years. The survey assessed user demographics, usage patterns, experiences of sharing data with healthcare providers, and willingness or concerns regarding data sharing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between user characteristics and data-sharing experiences or attitudes. Results: 447 participants completed the survey (60.0% female; 83.9% < 45 years; 60.0% from the United States). Most (94%) participants expressed willingness to share WAT data with healthcare providers, 47% had discussed it, and 43% had shared WAT data in clinical settings. Privacy was the most commonly reported concern, cited by 10% of participants. Participants with chronic health conditions were more likely to have shared or discussed WAT data, but also more likely to report concerns. Geographic differences were also observed, with Australian participants less likely to have shared or discussed their WAT data with providers, and US participants reporting fewer privacy concerns. Conclusions: The high willingness to share WAT data suggests that there is a possibility for integrating patient-owned WATs into clinical care. Addressing privacy concerns and equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to use WAT data will be essential to fully realize this opportunity. These findings highlight the need for further development of secure WAT systems, clinician training, and expanded evidence on WATs' clinical utility.