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Is the use of mobile health apps healthy or toxic to consumers?

Author

Listed:
  • Michael C. Cant

    (University of South Africa, South Africa)

  • Rubeena Doomun

    (Open University of Mauritius, Mauritius)

  • Johannes A. Wiid

    (University of South Africa, South Africa)

Abstract

Increasingly omnipresent and powerful mobile technology has the potential to address long-standing issues in the healthcare sector. mHealth (mobile health) apps can be used by consumers or patients for their wellness, prevention or treatment management. This study explored the scale of awareness of mHealth apps and the perception of using mHealth apps for monitoring health in Mauritius. The study also explored the barriers they faced. The results have shown that the people of Mauritius are aware and have downloaded and used mHealth apps. Fitness seems to be important, as most of the respondents find the fitness training app most useful. The findings have also shown that biggest barrier that prevents the respondents from using a mHealth app is cost concerns and privacy or security. Hence, it is recommended that the cost of mobile apps be investigated. Furthermore, there should be communication from app creators about the benefits of using a particular app, as well as the security measures and protection of private users and their information.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael C. Cant & Rubeena Doomun & Johannes A. Wiid, 2020. "Is the use of mobile health apps healthy or toxic to consumers?," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 8(1), pages 1162-1176, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:8:y:2020:i:1:p:1162-1176
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2020.8.1(78)
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    medical apps; Mauritius; health; fitness; wellness; mobile health apps;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • M00 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General - - - General

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