Usability impact of user perception in mHealth: the case of Ghanaian migrants

Abstract

Mobile health technology has the potential to transform the face of the health care industry globally. Mobile phones have become ubiquitous, unhampered by race, class or geographical boundaries, and provide a sound base for mHealth technology to break all boundaries and reach people from all walks of life with essential health information. However, despite the hype, mHealth technology has failed to reach its potential due to lack of evidence-based research on the effectiveness of mHealth applications. Literature on usability studies conducted among migrant consumers is also limited. Migrant communities in the U.S. have been sidelined when it comes to studies in usability and acceptance of mobile health applications. In order to optimize the potential of mHealth applications, there is a need to explore how these applications are perceived by end users, especially disparate communities. The study aims at contributing to the understanding of usability and user perception factors among migrant communities. Specifically, this dissertation investigates usability impact of user perception in mHealth, from the perspective of Ghanaian migrants. Findings from this study indicate that user perception of Ghanaian migrants affects usability in mHealth. Thus, by understanding the factors that affect usability, the objective of this study is to ultimately increase usability and adoption of mHealth applications by Ghanaian migrants living in the United States.