Harnessing mobile technology to support type 2 diabetes self-management among Chinese and Hispanic immigrants: a mixed-methods acceptability study

ABSTRACT Immigrant populations are more likely to suffer a significant amount of distress caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) make T2DM self-care knowledge and tools more accessible, which holds promise to improve diabetes outcomes among immigrants. The social distancing protocol and concerns about virus spread in healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the value of mobile technology to facilitate T2DM self-care management among underserved populations. This study examined Chinese and Hispanic immigrants’ acceptability for adopting a mHealth app to facilitate T2DM self-management. This study used an embedded mixed methods design. Surveys were completed by 118 participants to understand their status quo of using mobile technology. Smartphones were used by 72.88% of respondents, and among them, the frequency of use was almost every day. Half participants had not used technology for health-related purposes. Then, semi-structured interviews with sixteen Chinese and eight Hispanic participants were completed to delve into intentions, facilitators, and barriers for adopting a T2DM app for tracking self-management. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy appeared to influence participants’ intention to use the app. Family to provide technical support was an essential facilitator, while poor eyesight was a major barrier. These findings showed that Chinese and Hispanic immigrants were conditionally accepting a mobile application for T2DM self-management. Developing smartphone apps meeting performance and effort expectancies and addressing the technical support and eyesight issues are critical to adoption of mHealth to reduce T2DM disparities among Chinese and Hispanic immigrants.