Self-management of everyday female health: The role of self-care agency, patient-centered communication, and technology features in the intention to adopt period-tracking apps

Abstract

Despite the increasing prevalence of health-related apps, the communication-related mechanisms driving their adoption remain underexplored. Approaching health-related self-tracking from a communication perspective, this study explores how patient-centered communication (PCC), supported by active patient participation, can affect women's intentions to adopt period-tracking apps. Using a cross-sectional survey with 485 women aged 18–49 who had visited a healthcare provider in the past year, our findings showed that individual self-care agency indirectly predicted higher PCC through better patient communication competence. Both communication competence and PCC were associated with increased adoption intentions for period-tracking apps, mediated by perceived ease of app use, app usefulness, and positive attitudes towards the apps. Our findings highlight the intricate interplay between personal communication abilities, healthcare provider interactions, and technology features in shaping health technology adoption. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, offering insights into enhancing female health self-management through improved communication strategies and supportive technological features.