Older adults’ adoption behavior of mobile health (mHealth) apps: integrating technology readiness with protection motivation theory

Purpose Drawing upon the protection motivation theory (PMT) and technology readiness (TR) framework, this study investigated the determinants of older adults’ adoption behavior of mobile health (mHealth) apps in the US. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from six hundred older adults using a crowdsourcing platform and subjected to partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings The symmetrical analysis (PLS-SEM) revealed that coping appraisals, especially response efficacy, are more powerful predictors of attitudes and adoption intentions than threat appraisals. Meanwhile, both positive and negative TR significantly influence coping appraisals. In addition, the asymmetrical analysis (fsQCA) suggested five and four configurations that explain the high and low levels of adoption intentions, respectively, by exposing asymmetric relationships between TR and PMT components. Originality/value The findings of this study offer meaningful implications for developers, marketers, and policymakers aimed at promoting older adults’ adoption and use of mHealth apps.