Exploring parental adoption of tele-mental health for children “a UTAUT 2 based study on key acceptance”

Abstract

Measuring user acceptance is essential before launching digital health services, especially in sensitive areas like child telemental health, where emotional context and social dynamics shape user behavior. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing Algerian parents’ intention to use a telemental health application for their children, applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 230 respondents and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings showed that behavioral intention significantly predicted actual use, only when effort expectancy and facilitating conditions are moderated by digital literacy. These variables did not prove significance in the direct path. Except for this, all the UTAUT2 constructs such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, and perceived risk did not significantly influence behavioral intention. Also, Social influence approached significance but did not reach the threshold. Additionally, facilitating conditions had a direct positive effect and an indirect positive one on use behavior , with the latter moderated by digital literacy independent of behavioral intention, These results highlight that while intention is central, adoption is also shaped by practical enablers and digital capability, pointing to the need for emotionally aware, context-sensitive design supported by infrastructure and skill-building.