Wearable Health Technology Adoption

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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of wearable health technologies (WHTs), reshaping patterns of use and motivations. This study applies Social Cognitive Theory and Digital Divide frameworks to compare pre- and post-pandemic determinants of WHT adoption using survey-weighted logistic regressions and subgroup analyses by race and gender. Findings show that while personal agency and social context remain relevant, structural factors such as smart device ownership, insurance coverage, and digital health integration became more decisive after the pandemic. The influence of education declined, and income-based disparities widened, signaling a shift from skill-based divides to access-based divides. Demographic trends remained stable, although health-risk salience increased and equity patterns diverged. The results suggest that motivation and confidence alone are insufficient to influence WHT adoption. Material access and digital infrastructure now play a central role. Implications are discussed for temporally sensitive IS theory and inclusive technology design and policy.

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