Lived Experiences of Rural Elderly Using Mobile Health Applications for Chronic Disease Management in Indonesia
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Abstract
Digital health technologies, particularly mobile health (mHealth) applications, are increasingly used for chronic disease management among aging populations. Yet, little is known about how elderly individuals in rural Indonesia experience and interpret these technologies in daily life. Prior studies often adopt quantitative methods, overlooking the emotional and subjective aspects of mHealth use. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of elderly patients using mHealth for chronic disease management in rural Indonesia. Data were collected between March and May 2024 through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Thematic analysis was conducted to uncover patterns of meaning. Five central themes emerged: initial apprehension, evolving trust, digital isolation, intergenerational learning, and sustained routine. These findings reflect not only how participants interact with mHealth but also how their engagement is shaped by socio-emotional and cultural factors. The study underscores the need for digital health interventions to incorporate emotional, relational, and contextual dimensions to support elderly users more effectively. These insights inform the development of inclusive and empathetic mHealth systems tailored to aging populations in rural settings.
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