Effect Of Behavior Change Techniques On Users' Continuance Intention Of Health Management Apps

With the explosive growth of global consumer needs for mobile health services, health management applications (HM APPs) have aroused extensive social attention. Most of the existing studies have been based on Expectation Confirmation Theory, whereas few studies have explored the intention of continued use of HM APPs from the technology appropriateness perspective. This study empirically analyzed the impact of behavior change techniques (BCTs) on the continuance intention (CI) of HM APPs users by using the Partial least squares structural equation model. Data were collected from a sample of 334 Chinese users. Results demonstrate that appropriate matching of BCTs plays a notable determinative role on user CI; perceived usefulness, satisfaction, and perceived switching cost (PSC) have significant positive effects on user CI and play mediating effects between BCTs and CI. It is also found that BCTs are significant predictors for user PSC, but the positive effect of satisfaction on user PSC is insignificant. This study reveals the mechanism of how BTCs influence the users’ decision on whether or not to continue using HM APPs. The proposed implications can serve as a reference for academics and practitioners. Keywords: Behavior change techniques, health management APPs, continuance intention, expectation-confirmation theory