Wearables in the healthcare context: usage and associated factors among the general adult population in Germany

Abstract

Aim: To examine the usage and associated factors of wearables in the healthcare context among the general adult population in Germany. Subject and methods: Data were collected based on a survey covering the general German adult population from 18 to 74 years (n = 3270, mean age 47 years). Individuals were asked about their general current use of wearables and which health functions are actively used (analysis of step count/distance traveled, analysis of sleep, analysis of heart rate, and other vital signs). Results: Overall, 34.5% of the individuals currently used at least one wearable. Among those users, 82.6% used analysis of step count/distance traveled, 55.3% used analysis of sleep, 62.1% used analysis of heart rate, 33.6% used other vital signs, and 5.3% did not use any of the above functions. Regressions showed that several sociodemographic (e.g., living together with spouse/partner), lifestyle-related (e.g., health-conscious diet), and health-related factors (e.g., higher number of chronic conditions) and the psychosocial factor loneliness were associated with odds of general current use of wearables, with the highest odds ratios (ORs) for a high frequency of sports activity. Regular sports activity of more than 4 h/week (vs. never) in particular and a higher number of chronic conditions were significantly associated with higher odds of most health functions of wearables. Conclusion: Since the responsible use of wearables may help to improve or maintain health, understanding the factors associated with their use (and specific health functions) could help characterize individuals who do not use wearables or those health functions often included in wearables.