Date of Award
Spring 2017
Degree Type
Essay
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
First Advisor
Sara Stashower
Abstract
Chronic disease has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The purpose of this project is to understand the motivation behind health behaviors that individuals engage in to prevent, manage, or treat chronic diseases. By simultaneously examining chronic disease and fitness trackers through the Health Belief Model and The Diffusion of Innovations Theory, external factors are exposed that influence perceptions and lead to purchase decisions. Incorporating the cost-benefit analysis of the devices confirms that associated risks and questions of accuracy do not prevent product purchases or the belief that it can improve health. Moreover, the infiltration of technology into the health field is changing health communication. The use of social media proves to be the most influential tool in purchase decisions, which are now considered health behaviors. Thus, it is beneficial to apply this information to the development of future health
Recommended Citation
Folk, Amanda, "CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT & FITNESS TRACKERS THROUGH THE LENS OF THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL & DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS THEORY" (2017). Masters Essays. 65.
https://collected.jcu.edu/mastersessays/65
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.