A Phenomenological Exploration Using Colaizzi’s Method of the Meaning of Wearable Health Devices Among Chronically Ill Patients in Indonesia

Abstract

Wearable health technologies have significantly transformed self-care practices in public health, especially among individuals with chronic illnesses. While existing research has emphasized clinical outcomes and behavioral adherence, limited attention has been paid to patients’ subjective experiences and interpretations of using these devices in daily life. This study addresses this gap by asking: how do chronically ill patients perceive and assign meaning to wearable health devices in their everyday lives? Employing Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method, the study explores the lived experiences of ten Indonesian participants with chronic conditions who regularly use wearable health devices. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to reveal essential patterns and meanings. Four central themes emerged: empowered self-monitoring, emotional ambivalence, the device as a silent companion, and the negotiation of privacy and autonomy. These themes illustrate that wearable devices are not experienced merely as functional tools but as emotionally and socially embedded technologies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how health technologies affect patients’ identities, behaviors, and emotional well-being. This study supports the need for human-centered digital health design and offers new insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to align technological innovation with the lived realities of chronic illness.