As technology continues to play a significant role in managing diabetes, new health solutions aim to simplify disease management for patients. However, evidence suggests that these technological tools may not always result in positive outcomes for patients. According to the Motivation, Engagement, and Thriving in User Experience (METUX) model, the effectiveness of technology in healthcare hinges on users experiencing a sense of autonomy. This study sought to explore how the motivation behind adopting health technology influences its use and the health behaviors of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A cross-sectional survey involving 315 diabetic patients was conducted to examine the relationship between health technology adoption, motivation for its use, and associated health behaviors. The study utilized several assessment tools: the Technology Adoption Propensity Questionnaire to gauge general attitudes towards technology, the Autonomy and Competence in Technology Adoption Questionnaire to evaluate the underlying motivations for technology use, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities to assess health behavior.
Findings revealed that proficiency, rather than optimism, was a key predictor of technology use, while feelings of vulnerability and dependence were associated with lower technology engagement. Additionally, the use of technology was linked to increased frequency in health behaviors such as diet management and physical exercise. Notably, among those who regularly used health technology, autonomous motivation was a strong predictor of positive health behaviors. Conversely, controlled motivation was found to slightly discourage adherence to dietary recommendations.
These results emphasize the importance of tailoring health-related technological interventions to individual needs, particularly by enhancing users’ proficiency with the technology and reducing feelings of vulnerability and dependence. Ultimately, it is not merely the adoption of technology, but the underlying autonomous motivation for its use, that leads to more favorable health outcomes in diabetes management.
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