title: Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions on mHealth Privacy and Security: Findings From a Mixed-Methods Study.
abstract: This study examined consumers' attitudes and perceptions regarding mobile health (mHealth) technology use in health care. Twenty-four focus groups with 256 participants were conducted in 5 geographically diverse locations. Participants were also diverse in age, education, race/ethnicity, gender, and rural versus urban settings. Several key themes emerged from the focus groups. Findings suggest that consumer attitudes regarding mHealth privacy/security are highly contextualized, with concerns depending on the type of information being communicated, where and when the information is being accessed, who is accessing or seeing the information, and for what reasons. Consumers frequently considered the tradeoffs between the privacy/security of using mHealth technologies and the potential benefits. Having control over mHealth privacy/security features and trust in providers were important issues for consumers. Overall, this study found significant diversity in attitudes regarding mHealth privacy/security both within and between traditional demographic groups. Thus, to address consumers' concerns regarding mHealth privacy and security, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be adequate. Health care providers and technology developers should consider tailoring mHealth technology according to how various types of information are communicated in the health care setting, as well as according to the comfort, skills, and concerns individuals may have with mHealth technology.
authors: a National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Rockville , Maryland , USA.
authors: Audie A
authors: AA
authors: Atienza
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Zarcadoolas
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Vaughon
authors: Penelope
authors: P
authors: Hughes
authors: Vaishali
authors: V
authors: Patel
authors: Wen-Ying Sylvia
authors: WY
authors: Chou
authors: Joy
authors: J
authors: Pritts
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D016494:Computer Security; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018907:Privacy / Q000523:psychology*; D017216:Telemedicine; D055815:Young Adult