Will they or won't they? Understanding New Zealand adults' attitudes towards using digital interventions

Holly Wilson; Penelope Hayward; Liesje Donkin

doi:10.3389/fdgth.2023.1008564

Will they or won't they? Understanding New Zealand adults' attitudes towards using digital interventions

Front Digit Health. 2023 Mar 8:5:1008564. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1008564. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Holly Wilson¹, Penelope Hayward², Liesje Donkin^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
² Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Abstract

Background: Digital interventions deliver healthcare via the internet or smartphone application to support people's well-being and health. Yet uptake is relatively poor. Furthermore, several studies exploring attitudes towards digital interventions have found inconsistent attitudes. In addition to this, regional and cultural nuances may further influence attitudes to digital interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to understand New Zealand adults' attitudes towards digital interventions and their influences.

Results: A mixed-method design consisting of a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews found that New Zealand adults hold varied and complex attitudes towards digital interventions. Attitudes were found to be influenced by group membership and the scenarios in which digital interventions are made available. In addition, beliefs about the benefits and concerns surrounding digital interventions, knowledge, perceived views of others, and previous experience and confidence influenced these attitudes.

Conclusions: Findings indicated that digital interventions would be acceptable if offered as part of the healthcare service rather than a standalone intervention. Key modifiable factors that could positively influence attitudes were identified and could be leveraged to increase the perceived acceptability of digital interventions.

Keywords: attitude; digital health; digital intervention; eHealth; mental health.