Technology use and health behavior among patients with diabetes: do underlying motives for technology adoption matter?

Introduction: A growing number of health technology solutions are designed for people with diabetes to ease disease self-management. However, according to some studies, technology can also bring dissatisfaction. According to the Motivation, Engagement, and Thriving in User Experience model, the use of technology is only beneficial if it is linked to the experience of autonomy. The study aimed to investigate the associations between health technology use and technology adoption motivation and associated health behavior of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on a sample of 315 patients with diabetes. The Technology Adoption Propensity Questionnaire was applied to assess general attitudes toward technology, the Autonomy and Competence in Technology Adoption Questionnaire for underlying motives of technology use, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities tool for health behavior.

Results: The results showed that technology use was predicted by proficiency (but not optimism) and lower levels of vulnerability and dependence. In addition, technology use predicted health behavior (diet and physical exercise) frequency. After refining the results further, among technology users, only autonomous motivation of technology use predicted health behavior, while controlled motivation had a slightly negative predictive effect on following the diet.

Discussion: Particular attention should be paid to person-based health-related technology interventions for enhancing proficiency and reducing feelings of vulnerability and dependence on technologies. Ultimately, it is not the adoption of a technology per se, but the autonomous motivation for adoption that is associated with more favorable health behavior.