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Mobile health technology as a solution to self-control problems: The behavioral impact of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in Japan

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Listed:
  • Shoji, Masahiro
  • Cato, Susumu
  • Ito, Asei
  • Iida, Takashi
  • Ishida, Kenji
  • Katsumata, Hiroto
  • McElwain, Kenneth Mori

Abstract

Mobile technology has been widely utilized as an effective healthcare tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, over 50 countries have released contact-tracing apps to trace and contain infection chains. While earlier studies have examined obstacles to app uptake and usage, whether and how this uptake affects users’ behavioral patterns is not well understood. This is crucial because uptake can theoretically increase or decrease behavior that carries infection risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoji, Masahiro & Cato, Susumu & Ito, Asei & Iida, Takashi & Ishida, Kenji & Katsumata, Hiroto & McElwain, Kenneth Mori, 2022. "Mobile health technology as a solution to self-control problems: The behavioral impact of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in Japan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 306(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:306:y:2022:i:c:s0277953622004488
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115142
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