ABSTRACT

The alternative sexuality and sexual orientation minority (SM) communities are at risk for numerous health disparities. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the potential receptivity of these communities to the use of mobile technology to promote health. The present study reports findings from a feasibility study comprising two aims: (1) describe health enhancement app usage among alternative sexuality community members, as well as variation by sexual orientation status and (2) assess the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in understanding factors influencing health enhancement app usage. An online cross-sectional survey of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) members (N = 332) was conducted. Key findings include: (1) almost half of participants reported current mobile technology usage for health enhancement; (2) participants held positive beliefs concerning intention to use, perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEU) of mobile technology; (3) the TAM was appropriate to explain health enhancement app usage and (4) significant TAM-supported direct and indirect pathways predicting behavioural usage of mobile technology. Moderation results indicate TAM application may be more appropriate for SM participants. Findings suggest that there are perceived health benefits in the use of mobile technology by NCSF members. Recommendations for mobile technology development for NCSF and similar communities are provided.

摘要

替代性和性取向少数群体 (SM) 社区面临许多健康差异的风险。然而，缺乏研究探索这些社区对使用移动技术促进健康的潜在接受度。本研究报告了一项可行性研究的结果，包括两个目标：（1）描述替代性行为社区成员之间的健康增强应用程序使用情况，以及性取向状态的变化和（2）评估技术接受模型（TAM）以了解因素影响健康增强应用程序的使用。全国性自由联盟 (NCSF) 成员的在线横断面调查 ( N= 332) 进行。主要发现包括：(1) 几乎一半的参与者报告了当前使用移动技术来增强健康；(2) 参与者对移动技术的使用意向、感知有用性 (PU) 和易用性 (PEU) 持有积极信念；(3) TAM 适合解释健康增强应用程序的使用，以及 (4) TAM 支持的重要直接和间接途径预测移动技术的行为使用。审核结果表明 TAM 应用程序可能更适合 SM 参与者。调查结果表明，NCSF 成员使用移动技术对健康有益。提供了针对 NCSF 和类似社区的移动技术开发的建议。