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The Investigation of Mobile Health Stickiness: The Role of Social Support in a Sustainable Health Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Meng Yin

    (School of Logistics and E-Commerce, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450044, Henan Province, China
    These authors contributed equally to the article.)

  • Syed Muhammad Usman Tayyab

    (School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
    These authors contributed equally to the article.)

  • Xiao-Yu Xu

    (School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China)

  • Shuo-Wei Jia

    (Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Beijing 100000, China)

  • Chih-Lun Wu

    (School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541000, Guangxi Province, China)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a phenomenal proliferation of multifunctional fitness apps (MFAs), many of which are deeply ingrained into modern daily life as an aid to trace, manage, and improve users’ health and fitness. With technological advancement, these emerging information technology (IT) artifacts have the potential to facilitate the sustainable development of society and the environment. However, MFAs are facing a critical predicament: how to ensure user stickiness and continuous use. Drawing on the social support theory, this study aims to investigate stickiness as a multi-dimensional construct and to explore the antecedents of continuance usage and continuance purchase intentions in MFAs. The research model is empirically tested with data collected from 328 users of mobile fitness apps. A structural equation modeling analysis reveals both instrumental stickiness and social stickiness exert statistically significant influences on continuance usage intentions and in-app purchase intentions. Appraisal support, information support, and network support are significant antecedents for instrumental stickiness. While emotion support, esteem support, network support, and tangible support are significant antecedents for social stickiness. In addition, two facets of user sustainability—instrumental stickiness and social stickiness—exert different levels of influence on continuance usage and continuance app purchase intensions, respectively. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers involved in designing sustainable health products and engendering e-health systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng Yin & Syed Muhammad Usman Tayyab & Xiao-Yu Xu & Shuo-Wei Jia & Chih-Lun Wu, 2021. "The Investigation of Mobile Health Stickiness: The Role of Social Support in a Sustainable Health Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1693-:d:493417
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Yu Fu & Yuanyuan Wang & Xinhui Ye & Weifang Wu & Jianfeng Wu, 2023. "Satisfaction with and Continuous Usage Intention towards Mobile Health Services: Translating Users’ Feedback into Measurement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    3. Arantzazu Rodríguez-Fernández & Iker Izar-de-la-Fuente & Naiara Escalante & Lorea Azpiazu, 2021. "Perceived Social Support for a Sustainable Adolescence: A Theoretical Model of Its Sources and Types," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-13, May.
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    5. Xian Gao & Choy-Leong Yee & Wei-Chong Choo, 2022. "How Attachment and Community Identification Affect User Stickiness in Social Commerce: A Consumer Engagement Experience Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-16, October.
    6. Yizhi Liu & Xuan Lu & Chengjiang Li & Gang Zhao, 2022. "The Influence of Content Presentation on Users’ Intention to Adopt mHealth Applications: Based on the S-O-R Theoretical Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-20, August.

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