Cross-Analysis of mHealth Social Acceptance Among Youth: A Comparative Study Between Japan and China

Although mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as a revolutionary approach to enhance healthcare delivery, few studies have examined how it is perceived and accepted in different cultures. This study investigated mHealth's social acceptance among young people in Japan and China, with a focus on cultural influences on technology adoption. A comparative analysis approach was adopted, employing an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model. University students from both countries, recruited using harmonized sampling methods, completed questionnaires. We employed descriptive statistics to summarize the sample characteristics, confirmatory factor analysis to validate the constructs, multigroup analysis to test for measurement invariance and ensure the applicability of the model in both cultural contexts, and comparative path analysis to explore differences in the various factors influencing mHealth acceptance in each cultural setting. The findings revealed distinct cultural effects on mHealth acceptance. Japanese young people showed cautious acceptance influenced by societal norms and infrastructure, whereas Chinese young people demonstrated strong engagement driven by government support and the growing digital health industry. The study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and systemic dynamics when integrating mHealth into youth healthcare models and suggests tailored strategies for successful implementation.