มุมมองต่อการใช้นาฬิกาอัจฉริยะเพื่อสุขภาพ: การศึกษาเชิงคุณภาพ

Sireethorn Wonghanchai; Saipin   Hathirat; Kanokporn Sukhato

doi:10.33165/rmj.48.03.e273323

Authors

Sireethorn Wonghanchai Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3687-0288
Saipin Hathirat Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Kanokporn Sukhato Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.48.03.e273323

Keywords:

Smartwatch, Wearable tracker, Health behavior

Abstract

Background: Smartwatches are popular in Thailand nowadays. However, there is no study on how it affects health behavior among Thais.

Objective: To study Thai users' experiences with smartwatches.

Methods: A qualitative study among Thai users of smartwatches aged over 18 and living in Thailand. A purposeful sampling technique was used until the data was saturated. A verbatim transcription was also performed. The study researchers carried out content analysis, data triangulation, and consensus.

Results: A total of 14 participants, with an average age of 37.79 years, all used smartwatches. Most had been using it for more than 5 years. The motives include maintaining a good figure, viewing it as a must-have item, awareness of disease risk, self-reliance, cardiophobia,
and special gift. They valued the device as a new tool for exercise, objective parameter, heart disease monitor, and personal health coaches. Some are addicted to the smartwatch. A community of health-conscious individuals emerged. Support system such as workplace benefits, health insurance discount, and fitness center discount were found.

Conclusions: Smartwatch usage impacts health behavior changes among Thais in positive and negative outcomes, which can provoke over health concerns. Thai society should use it wisely.

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