Title: mHealth Usage and Perceptions among Low-income Working Adults

Speaker: Dr. Kara Chan / Professor and Associate Dean of Hong Kong Baptist University

Date & Time: 2025 / 3 / 3 (Mon.) 2:00 pm

Venue: First Conference Room, RCHSS, Academia Sinica/  Webex (hybrid)

Webex: https://reurl.cc/36zWjl
number: 2518 732 6121
code: 0303

Abstract:
Despite the potential of mobile health applications in reducing barriers to accessing health information and facilities, the adoption and usage of such applications was low among low-income populations. This study attempts to examine the use of mobile technology for health management and the perceived barriers of the use of mobile applications for health management among low-income working adults in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 working adults aged 25–45. Results indicated that interviewees often suffer from physical pain and many face relationship difficulties. They seek out health information actively on the internet, often using a mobile phone. The perceived barriers of using mobile health applications included perceived difficulties in downloading and registering, privacy concerns, and a lack of awareness of the health apps available. They prefer internet searching to a dedicated app. Their ideal health applications should be video based with real-life narratives. They were concerned about the credibility of the health information provided and preferred apps that engage professional and authoritative sources. These findings can inform the government’s health department and health organizations about designing appropriate mobile health applications.

Keywords: digital technology; user experience; innovation adoption; wearables; mobile

Host: Center for Survey Research(CSR), RCHSS, Academia Sinica

Contact: Claire Hsieh,