Testing the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) to Predict the Use of New Technology for Social Connectedness in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Loneliness or social isolation, recently described as a “behavioral epidemic,” remains a long-standing public health issue, which has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of technology has been suggested to enhance social connectedness and to decrease the negative health outcomes associated with social isolation. However, till today, no theory-based studies were performed to examine the determinants of technology use. Therefore, the current study aims to test theory-based determinants in explaining the adoption of new technology in a nationally representative sample during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 382). A psychometrically reliable and valid instrument based on the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change was administered electronically using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 47.1% of the respondents reported high levels of social isolation, and 40.6% did not use any new technology. Among technology users (59.4%), the three initiation constructs participatory dialogue (b = 0.054, p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (b = 0.184, p < 0.001), and changes in the physical environment (b= 0.053, p < 0.05) were significant and accounted for 38.3% of the variance in the initiation of new technologies. Concerning sustenance in technology users, all three constructs emotional transformation (b = 0.115, p < 0.001), practice for change (b = 0.086, p < 0.001), and changes in the social environment (b = 0.061, p < 0.001) were significant and accounted for 42.6% of the variance in maintaining the use of new technology. MTM offers a powerful framework to design health promotion interventions encouraging the use of new technologies to foster greater social connectedness amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond it.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Hesitancy in the United States: A Multi-Theory-Model (MTM)-Based National Assessment

“…The possible score range for MTM constructs was 0–12 units. The MTM tool is based on the fourth-generation behavioral theory and has a long-standing history to measure a variety of behaviors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic [ 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

A Theory-Based Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among African Americans in the United States: A Recent Evidence

“…The MTM has been widely tested in studying or explaining several health behaviors such as physical activity [31], and fruits and vegetables intake [32]. In addition, the MTM has also been used to explain behaviors (e.g., handwashing) and social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic [33,34]. The survey tool consisted of 15 demographic questions with 13 questions based on MTM subscales of intention to initiate COVID-19 vaccination behavior.…”

Testing Multi-Theory Model (MTM) in Explaining Sunscreen Use among Florida Residents: An Integrative Approach for Sun Protection

“…The purpose of this study was to identify the correlates of sunscreen use, based on the fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change among Florida residents. MTM has been tested or applied to explain various health behaviors in community settings [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. The results of the study were encouraging; the contribution of MTM constructs in all four models tested were significant and accounted for a substantial proportion of variance in the dependent variables.…”