Theses (MSc. Public Health)

The term "mHealth" describes the application of wireless technology and mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones to enhance patient outcomes and the delivery of healthcare. The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with the intention of doctors to use mHealth applications in Malaysia. Despite the known benefits of using mHealth the usage is reported to be low in Malaysia and this study aims to address that gap. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was constructed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) paradigm that includes Attitude, Perceived Behavioural Control, Subjective norm, benefits, and barriers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to the intention to use mHealth. Out of the 289 distributed questionnaires via online form, 208 participants returned the completed form yielding a response rate of 72%. The construct and discriminant validity and reliability indices of the questionnaire were satisfactory. According to the results, there was a positive association between the participants' Attitude (A) (β=0.33, p=0.000), Subjective Norm (SN) (β=0.248, p=0.000), Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC)(β=0.238, p=0.000) and their Intention (I) to use mHealth. Benefit (β=0.142, p<0.05) also showed a positive association with Intention (I) to use mHealth. Barriers (β=-0.35, p=0.445) negatively influence the intention to use mHealth. There was no significant association between Intention (I) and sociodemographic factors. In conclusion, doctors with positive attitudes, positive encouragement from peers, and those who perceive high self-control and efficacy have greater intention to use mHealth applications as explained by the TPB model.