Examining Trust as a Key Determinant of eHealth Adoption in Malawi

Abstract The way technology is accepted and utilized may have significant hypothetical and concrete inferences. Thus, eHealth, like any other technology, has little value unless it is used. In this study, fundamental elements influencing consumers’ decision to utilize eHealth services in Malawi were assessed. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as the primary model of inference, two new constructs were introduced to determine whether trust is a significant contributor in consumers’ decision to use eHealth. Through convenience sampling, a total of 400 responses were collected over a period of 6 weeks and evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. Outcomes of the analysis showed that Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions, had an affirmative effect on Behavioral Intentions to use eHealth. Performance Expectancy indirectly had a positive effect on Behavioral Intentions to use eHealth services via Trust in internet and Trust in online healthcare providers. However, Trust of Internet had an insignificant effect while Trust in online healthcare providers had a positive effect. Thus, government and stakeholders in the health sector need to create platforms for engagement in health-related matters targeting the youth between 18 and 35 years who are the largest consumers of internet services.