Despite the pervasive accessibility of mobile health applications (mHealth apps), user engagement remains a challenge, especially when sensitive health information is involved. We collected survey and behavioural data from the users of a women’s health mobile app and show that the perceived benefits to others are positively related to engagement (use duration and breadth of app use), while no significant association of trust, perceived privacy risks and perceived benefits to self with engagement was found. We discuss the implications of our findings for managing engagement with mHealth apps, as well as for understanding the key predictors of sustained user interaction. Additionally, we suggest directions for further complementary research to build on these insights.
