Characterizing Consumer Behavior in Leveraging Social Media for E-Patient and Health-Related Activities

Ira Puspitasari and Alia Firdauzy
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Ira Puspitasari: Information System Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
Alia Firdauzy: Information System Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: The emergence of e-patients has encouraged consumers, people who are non-medical experts, to be more engaged in healthcare needs by utilizing online sources via social media. However, the nature of social media and regulation issues have caused concerns for the reliability and validity of the shared information. These phenomena shape consumers behavior in leveraging social media for e-patient activities. This study investigates consumer behavior using an integrated model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The data collected from the participants (N = 312) was analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling. The results showed that behavioral intention to use social media for e-patient activities was significantly affected by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and response efficacy; and that behavioral intention corresponded positively to usage intention. In addition, the results also indicate that the intention to use social media for health-related purposes is driven by awareness of preventing health problems and attempts to reduce the risk of developing an illness. Based on findings, this study recommends strategies and initiatives to optimize social media for promoting a healthy lifestyle and educating society about public health and healthcare management.

Keywords: consumer behavior; e-patient; social media for e-patient activities; social media (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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