Influence of Health Interests and Technological Trends on the Acceptance of Wearable Technologies and Their Applications in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Wearable technologies have developed relatively quickly in the modern years. This development has impacted the management of personal health and wellness to a considerable extent. The purpose of this study is to understand to what extent the interest of individuals in health and fitness, coupled with their general orientation towards technology, affects the acceptance of wearable technologies and related applications in the Saudi Arabian environment. Utilizing the UTAUT model, the research examines six hypotheses, revealing that health information- seeking behavior (β = 0.316, p < 0.001) and personal innovativeness in IT (β = 0.273, p < 0.001) are strong predictors of behavioral intention (BI) to adopt wearables. Performance expectancy (β = 0.186, p = 0.030) also significantly influences BI, while facilitating conditions (β = 0.267, p < 0.001) and BI (β = 0.528, p < 0.001) are crucial for actual use behavior (UB). These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners promoting wearable fitness devices, as they underscore the importance of enhancing public understanding of exercise benefits and active living. These would have significant implications for healthcare practitioners when promoting wearable fitness gadgets to the general population. In that respect, healthcare professionals could play significant roles in enhancing the general population’s understanding of physical exercise benefits and an active life by disseminating information and knowledge gained from these equipment and gadgets. Wearable technology companies can subsequently learn from and integrate such valuable inputs. At the same time, designers and marketing strategists design plans to satisfy the unique needs and tastes of the Saudi market. The results may further explain how personal health concerns and technical trends interact in embracing new, creative, health-focused solutions.