Models, Constructs, and Methods in mHealth User Experience Research: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The global mobile health (mHealth) market is rapidly expanding, with user experience (UX) crucial for user retention. However, previous studies have mostly focused on usability and paid little attention to UX perspective. This review systematically examines theoretical models, UX constructs, and methodological approaches in mHealth UX research. A systematic literature review (SLR) across 12 databases yielded 6,739 records; 43 empirical studies met inclusion criteria. In accordance with SLR guidelines, data were extracted and synthesized, followed by qualitative analyses. Only three studies applied UX models, indicating that theory-driven approaches remain limited in this field. In contrast, most studies relied on standardized questionnaires, through which thirty unique UX constructs were identified, with commonly examined constructs including Information Quality, Aesthetics, and Attractiveness, and less frequently studied constructs including Privacy, Utility, Flexibility, Complexity, and Context. All studies employed mixed methods. This review demonstrates that UX research in mHealth remains fragmented, with limited theoretical grounding, uneven construct coverage, and methodological reliance on questionnaires. Addressing these gaps requires integrating theory-driven models with context-sensitive evaluation tools, paving the way for more rigorous, inclusive, and practically relevant mHealth solutions.