Factors affecting adoption of eHealth in Egypt

This research investigates the factors that affect technology acceptance in the eHealth domain with regard to Egypt. It also focuses on the impact of the perceptions and
attitudes of online privacy, due to the sensitivity of healthcare information, and trust, in addition to the other technology acceptance factors affecting acceptance of eHealth in
Egypt. The aims of the research were to (i) understand the impact of general attitudes to online privacy and associated concerns on the acceptance and uptake of eHealth services, and (ii) to develop an enhanced technology acceptance model that takes into
consideration factors pertaining to technology acceptance adopted from the UTAUT Model as well as online privacy, online trust and Internet experience factors.
Results from a questionnaire survey of a randomly selected sample of computer literate members of the general public revealed interesting correlations between users’
acceptance of eHealth services and attitudes to online privacy, indicating that users’ general attitudes to online privacy negatively affect eHealth acceptance. Factors pertaining to the UTAUT model such (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and
facilitating conditions) have a positive impact on potential acceptance. Furthermore, factors of online trust and Internet experience and exposure also show a positive impact
on eHealth technology acceptance. Questions used to measure eHealth technology acceptance were adapted to the eHealth domain as well as to the Egyptian culture in order to reflect potential users’ understanding of eHealth concepts.
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model (Venkatesh et al., 2003) was used as a foundation for testing factors of technology acceptance.
Linked issues such as e-privacy threats such unauthorized use of personal information, privacy policies and regulations, and possible links with existing technology acceptance models in the eHealth context were also investigated. The research concluded that
these additional factors of privacy and trust are relevant to technology acceptance in the eHealth context, and should be included in technology acceptance models.
The results of this research, in terms of recommendations made for eHealth, will directly benefit the Egyptian government; commercial services and eHealth researchers among
others.

A thesis submitted to Middlesex University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.