Theorizing the health service usage behavior of family caregivers: A qualitative study of an internet-based intervention

This qualitative research revealed that caregiver needs, ICT factors, and style of use explained the pattern of intervention use in Chinese caregivers' use of Web-based intervention support.

Abstract

This study reinforced the findings of the larger quantitative study that it is important to address both care-giving needs and technology factors in Internet-based intervention. The quantitative study found that less competent caregivers with more positive attitudes towards technology tended to use the intervention more frequently. In this qualitative research, the findings revealed that caregiver needs, ICT factors, and style of use explained the pattern of intervention use. This new conceptualization has integrated information acceptance, health service utilization, and information behavior theories. More studies will be needed to confirm if the proposed concept can explain or predict the usage behavior in other Web-based interventions.