Perceived risk and benefits of e-health consultation and their influence on user's intention to use

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the user's behavior and intention to continue using e-health services by analyzing the factors influencing their decision. The stimuli-organism-behavior-consequence (SOBC) framework was used to assess how the risks and benefits of e-health influence both behavioral intention (BI) and continued use. Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses proposed for this study were tested with partial least square-based structural equation modeling. This study relied on the primary data collected from 572 respondents using convenient sampling. FindingsThis study examined the SOBC model's four phases' with the help of eight constructs. The conceptual model allowed the authors to examine 10 relationships to measure e-health adoption behavior in emerging nations like India. This study found that convenience, perceived risk and facilitating conditions are positively related to the effort and performance expectancy (PE) associated with e-health consultation. Only social influence is unrelated. This study also found a positive and substantial relationship between BI, effort and PE. Originality/valueThe study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and the SOBC paradigm to determine the factors influencing users' intentions to use e-health. In addition to bringing new aspects to the existing literature on technology adoption and e-health consultation, the results of this study will aid e-health service providers in formulating strategies to promote the usage of e-health in emerging economies like India.