Is it civic duty? An exploratory study of factors that influenced the public’s decision to download the NHS COVID-19 app

Authors: Phillips, P., Darby, I., Phillips, L. and Wicks, A.

Journal: British Journal of Health Care Management

Volume: 27

Issue: 7

Pages: 194-200

eISSN: 1759-7382

ISSN: 1358-0574

DOI: 10.12968/bjhc.2021.0013

Abstract:

Background/Aims The UK Government piloted a COVID-19 digital contact tracing smartphone app on the Isle of Wight, England, in June 2020 in attempt to contain the spread of the virus. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affected the decision to download the app among individuals in the Isle of Wight. Methods Online questionnaires were distributed over social media to the sample population. Quantitative data were analysed, both descriptively and using a Chi-square or Fisher’s test. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Results Overall, 74.2% of participants downloaded the COVID-19 app, citing compliance, protection and fighting the pandemic or returning to normal as their main reasons. There was a significant negative correlation between having concerns about the app and downloading the app (P=<0.01). Concerns were split into the three themes of privacy or data security concerns, technology issues and increased complacency. There was a significant negative correlation between being in a COVID-19 high-risk group and downloading the app (P=0.042). Conclusions Concerns about the COVID-19 app, particularly in terms of its security, significantly affected whether participants were likely to download it. The results provide insight into factors influencing mass public health behaviours and can form the basis for future research into app-based interventions.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/35768/

Source: Scopus

Is it civic duty? An exploratory study of factors that influenced the public's decision to download the NHS COVID-19 app

Authors: Phillips, P., Darby, I., Phillips, L. and Wicks, A.

Journal: British Journal of Health Care Management

Volume: 27

Issue: 7

Publisher: Mark Allen Publishing Ltd.

ISSN: 1358-0574

DOI: 10.12968/bjhc.2021.0013

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/35768/

Source: Manual

Is it civic duty? An exploratory study of factors that influenced the public's decision to download the NHS COVID-19 app

Authors: Darby, I., Phillips, P., Phillips, L. and Wicks, A.

Journal: British Journal of Health Care Management

Volume: 27

Issue: 7

ISSN: 1358-0574

Abstract:

Background/Aims The UK Government piloted a COVID-19 digital contact tracing smartphone app on the Isle of Wight, England, in June 2020 in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affected the decision to download the app among individuals in the Isle of Wight.

Methods Online questionnaires were distributed over social media to the sample population. Quantitative data were analysed, both descriptively and using a Chi-square or Fisher’s test. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis.

Results Overall, 74.2% of participants downloaded the COVID-19 app, citing compliance, protection and fighting the pandemic or returning to normal as their main reasons. There was a significant negative correlation between having concerns about the app and downloading the app (P=<0.01). Concerns were split into the three themes of privacy/data security concerns, technology issues, and increased complacency. There was a significant negative correlation between being in a COVID-19 high-risk group and downloading the app (P=0.042). Conclusions Concerns about the COVID-19 app, particularly in terms of its security, significantly affected whether participants were likely to download it. The results provide insight into factors influencing mass public health behaviours and can form the basis for future research into app-based interventions.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/35768/

Source: BURO EPrints