Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Malaysia, yet there is a significant underdevelopment in mobile health (mHealth) applications that specifically target behavioural change for cancer prevention and management. This study investigates the application of two health behaviour theories: Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in designing an evidence-based, contextually tailored mHealth application for Malaysian cancer patients. The central objective is to evaluate how self-efficacy, social influence, and perceived ease of behaviour change affect the intention to adopt plant-based diets and utilise mHealth technologies among patients diagnosed with lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer. To achieve this, a quantitative, cross-sectional online survey of 382 cancer patients diagnosed with lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer was conducted, capturing insights into their perceptions and willingness to embrace plant-based dietary practices and mHealth usage. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between confidence (self-efficacy), social support, and perceived ease of use with the intention to adopt healthier dietary practices and mHealth solutions. These results align with the constructs of SCT and TPB, highlighting their relevance in influencing health-related behaviour intentions. This research not only contributes to the limited body of knowledge on applying behavioral theories to mHealth development but also provides actionable recommendations for the development of culturally relevant and theory-driven mHealth solutions to support cancer prevention and management, emphasising the importance of integrating behavioural change theories into mHealth innovations.
Song Tien Lii (Sat,) studied this question.