Enhancing privacy in mHealth Applications: A User-Centric model identifying key factors influencing Privacy-Related behaviours.

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) applications have revolutionized healthcare by offering accessible and efficient services through mobile devices. However, privacy concerns regarding the protection of sensitive health information remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption. This study investigates factors influencing privacy-related behaviours among mHealth users and proposes a user-centric model to address these privacy concerns.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to identify strategies that enhance privacy protections in mHealth applications while maintaining usability. It focuses on transparency, user autonomy, and trust as key factors in fostering responsible data-sharing practices and encouraging broader adoption.

METHODS

An online survey targeting mHealth users in Australia was conducted to assess the relationships between privacy policy effectiveness, perceived benefits and risks, autonomy, trust, and privacy-enhancing behaviours. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the proposed research model and test key hypotheses.

RESULTS

The findings highlight that clear and transparent privacy policies increase trust and enhance perceived benefits, such as personalized health insights. However, detailed policies may also increase user's awareness of risks, making them more cautious. Autonomy emerged as a critical factor for building trust; users who feel empowered to control their data are more likely to positively engage with mHealth platforms. Trust significantly drives privacy-enhancing behaviours, such as active management of data-sharing settings. However, risks and privacy concerns alone did not deter users from engaging with these applications. Effective communication, robust security measures, and user-friendly features were identified as factors that mitigate privacy concerns and enhance adoption.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the need for a balanced, user-centric approach to privacy in mHealth applications. Transparent policies, robust security features, and empowering user controls are essential to fostering trust and encouraging adoption, ensuring secure and efficient healthcare delivery.