Smartwatch Adoption for Well-Being: The Role of Health Motivation and Performance Expectancy among Teachers

Abstract

Teachers face increasing pressures related to workload, stress, and health issues, which can negatively impact their productivity and well-being. As a response, smartwatches are a form of wearable technology which offer potential solutions through real-time health monitoring and productivity support. Despite this promise, empirical research on smartwatch adoption among teachers in Malaysia, particularly in the northern region, remains scarce. This study investigates the key determinants influencing smartwatch adoption among school teachers in Perlis by integrating two theoretical frameworks: the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Specifically, the study examines the effects of Health Motivation (HM) and Performance Expectancy (PE) on smartwatch adoption. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 500 teachers using a stratified sampling method. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that both HM and PE significantly influence teachers' adoption of smartwatches. The findings provide practical implications for technology developers and policymakers by identifying key factors that can guide the design of smartwatch features and the formulation of digital well-being initiatives for educators. These insights support evidence-based decisions to promote the adoption of smartwatch technology in the education sector. This study contributes original insights to the limited literature on smartwatch adoption in educational settings, particularly in underexplored regions such as northern Malaysia.