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Factors Affecting Technology Acceptance and Usability of a Personalized Online Nutrition and Exercise Web-Based App (Heal-Me): A Multimethods Study

Appl Clin Inform. 2026 Mar;17(2):296-305. doi: 10.1055/a-2858-9079. Epub 2026 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The Heal-Me (Healthy Eating, Active Living-Mindful Energy) version 1 is a web-based app designed to provide exercise and nutrition support to vulnerable chronic disease populations. As version 1 of the Heal-Me technology has not been evaluated for acceptance and usability within a clinical environment, this study sought to apply the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to investigate its acceptance and usability as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving adults diagnosed with cancer, chronic lung disease, or those who had undergone liver or lung transplantation.

METHODS: This single-group study used a multimethod design. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires before and after the intervention, without a control group. Near the end of the study, individual interviews were conducted with select participants. Technology acceptance and usability were assessed using five-point Likert scales from «disagree (0)» to «agree (4).» Data analysis included partial least squares structural equation modeling and thematic analysis of interview responses.

RESULTS: Participants’ expectations for accepting the Heal-Me web-based app were met. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence had direct effects on their intention to use the app, explaining 50.9% of the variance in behavioral intention. Both facilitating conditions and behavioral intention significantly influenced actual usage, accounting for 71.4% of its variance.

CONCLUSION: Performance expectancy emerged as the most influential factor predicting participants’ intention to use the Heal-Me web-based app, with findings clearly indicating a high level of acceptance of the first version of this technology.

PMID:42061394 | DOI:10.1055/a-2858-9079