A survey about adoption of smart bands and similar wearables for personal health monitoring

Abstract

With the evolution of wearable technology, smart bands which are the devices worn on the wrist are getting more attention. Such bands track health data including number of steps taken, heart rate, and daily sleep recorded. Most people presume these devices are beneficial in keeping track of their wellbeing, adequate fitness level and even detecting the early symptoms of disease. To some extent, however, there is an uneven distribution of smart band users. For instance, younger people seem to embrace this technology better than older individuals. This research aims to assess the users from different age groups, how they utilise the smart bands and what inspires or prevents them from using these devices.

A Quantitative method was applied in this study, collecting survey responses from individuals with varied backgrounds, primarily university students in Finland, through Webropol. The research aims to answer specific questions, such as why people first start to use smart bands, what discourages others from using them, and how people of various ages use their functions such as activity tracking, monitoring of heart rate, and analysis of sleep patterns. The findings highlight the primary functions people use on smart bands vary by age group. Younger users mainly use them for fitness tracking, receiving notifications, and playing music. Middle-aged users actively use key health observation functions, including pulse tracking, sleep pattern analysis, and movement monitoring. They also show noticeable use of blood pressure monitoring and social sharing features. For older users, the primary function is health monitoring and supervision. Common obstacles to adoption include cost, privacy concerns, and doubts about reliability, though familiarity with technology plays a significant role in encouraging use. For older adults, health supervision is a key motivator, but challenges like cost, complicated interfaces, and privacy worries often hold them back. This research provides valuable insights into what drives adoption and what stands in its way, suggesting ways to make smart bands more accessible and appealing to all age groups.