IntroductionHigh levels of adoption and usage for the COVID Tracing Apps (CTA) among the population is a stipulated prerequisite for success of the implementation of these apps, aiming to mitigate the pandemic and track spreading of the virus more efficient and effectively. In the current study, the main objective was to investigate individuals' preferences in the intention to download a COVID-19 tracing app in a pilot-study in both the Netherlands and Turkey.MethodsWe conducted a discrete choice experimental study through an online survey in two countries (the Netherlands [N = 62] and Turkey [N = 83]), with four different attributes: (1) data protection (data protection vs. no information), (2) manufacturer (government vs. company), (3) reward (no reward vs. voucher as a reward) and (4) gaming (no gaming elements vs. gaming elements). Participants were recruited among a student population.ResultsThe results showed that data protection is one of the most important factors that significantly increases the probability to adopt a CTA. In general, the manufacturer, reward or gaming affected the probability to download the CTA less.DiscussionsHealth authorities worldwide have generally released high quality CTA, although scientific studies assessing the most important factors that describe and predict the intention to download is limited. Sensitive personal data is collected through these apps, and may potentially threaten privacy, equality and fairness, which are important attributes to take into account when developing or launching a CTA, following the results of this study.

Background Despite the worldwide growth in mHealth tools and the possible benefits for both patients and healthcare providers, adoption of mHealth is low and only a limited number of studies have examined the intention to download mHealth apps. In the current study, we investigated individuals’ preferences in the adoption of a health app. Methods We conducted a discrete choice experimental study in three countries (Spain [N = 800], Germany [N = 800], and the Netherlands [N = 416]) with four different vignettes (i.e., revenue models, data protection models, recommendation models, manufacturer models) with different attributes. Participants were randomly assigned. Results The results showed that price and data protection were considered important factors that significantly increased the probability to download a mobile health app. In general, the recommendation and the manufacturer affected the probability to download the health app less. However, in Germany and the Netherlands we found that if the app was manufactured by a pharmaceutical company, the probability to download the health app decreased. Conclusions mHealth tools are highly promising to reduce healthcare costs and increase the effectiveness of traditional health interventions and therapies. Improving data protection, reducing costs, and creating sound business models are the major driving forces to increase the adoption of mobile health apps in the future. It is thereby essential to create trustworthy standards for mobile applications, whereby prices, legislation concerning data protection, and health professionals can have a leading role to inform the potential consumers.

BACKGROUND Despite the worldwide growth in mHealth tools and the possible benefits for both patients and healthcare providers, adoption of mHealth is low and only a limited number of studies have examined the intention to download mHealth apps. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we investigated individuals’ preferences in the adoption of a health app. METHODS We conducted a discrete choice experimental study in three countries (Spain [N=800], Germany [N=800], and the Netherlands [N=416]) with four different vignettes (i.e., revenue models, data protection models, recommendation models, manufacturer models) with different attributes. Participants were randomly assigned. RESULTS The results showed that price and data protection were considered important factors that significantly increased the probability to download a mobile health app. In general, the recommendation and the manufacturer affected the probability to download the health app less. However, in Germany and the Netherlands we found that if the app was manufactured by a pharmaceutical company, the probability to download the health app decreased. CONCLUSIONS mHealth tools are highly promising to reduce healthcare costs and increase the effectiveness of traditional health interventions and therapies. Improving data protection, reducing costs, and creating sound business models are the major driving forces to increase the adoption of mobile health apps in the future. It is thereby essential to create trustworthy standards for mobile applications, whereby prices, legislation concerning data protection, and health professionals can have a leading role to inform the potential consumers.

BACKGROUND Despite the worldwide growth in using Covid-19 tracing apps and the potential benefits for citizens, governments, healthcare professionals, businesses, and other organizations, only a few number of studies have examined factors affecting the willingness to download levels. OBJECTIVE In the current study we investigated individuals’ preferences in the willingness to download of a health app. METHODS We conducted an experimental study in two countries (the Netherlands [N=62] and Turkey [N=83], using four different vignettes (i.e., data protection models, manufacturer, reward model, and gaming model) with different attributes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the conditions within the vignettes. RESULTS The results showed that data protection and gaming elements are factors that influence the willingness to download a Covid-19 tracing app. More specific, we see that data protection is an important factor explaining the willingness to download the app in Turkey, while including gaming elements significantly affects the willingness to download in the Netherlands. CONCLUSIONS Covid-19 tracing apps are highly promising to reduce the spread of the virus and make it easier to open up society faster, especially because they can be used quickly and share information rapidly. Covid-19 tracing app developers must ensure that the apps satisfactorily addressing ethical consideration sufficiently, even in times of crisis.

Background Despite the worldwide growth in using COVID-19 contact tracing apps (CTAs) and the potential benefits for citizens, governments, health care professionals, businesses, and other organizations, only a few studies have examined the factors affecting the levels of willingness to download a CTA. Objective This study aimed to investigate individuals’ preferences in the willingness to download a health app. Methods We conducted an experimental study in 2 countries, the Netherlands (N=62) and Turkey (N=83), using 4 different vignettes (ie, data protection, manufacturer, reward, and gaming models) with different attributes. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of the conditions within the vignettes. Results The results showed that data protection and gaming elements are factors that influence the willingness to download a COVID-19 CTA. More specifically, we see that data protection is an important factor explaining the willingness to download the app in Turkey, whereas including gaming elements significantly affects the willingness to download the app in the Netherlands. Conclusions COVID-19 CTAs are highly promising to reduce the spread of the virus and make it easier to open up society faster, especially because they can be used quickly and share information rapidly. COVID-19 CTA developers must ensure that their apps satisfactorily and sufficiently address ethical considerations, even in times of crisis. Furthermore, integrating gaming elements in the CTA could enhance the willingness to download the CTA.