Factors Influencing the Intention to Use Telemedicine Among Residents of Citta Village, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Technological advancement has revolutionized the healthcare sector, making telemedicine a promising innovation to address the limited access to medical services in rural areas. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the intention to use telemedicine among the community in Citta Village, Soppeng Regency, Indonesia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was applied to 100 respondents selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through validated and reliable questionnaires covering knowledge, peer group influence, trust level, and social media exposure. Chi-square tests were conducted for bivariate analysis, followed by logistic regression for multivariate analysis.
Results: The study found that knowledge (p=0.000), peer group (p=0.009), and trust (p=0.020) were significantly associated with the intention to use telemedicine. However, social media exposure was not significantly related (p=0.714). Trust emerged as the most dominant factor influencing the intention to use telemedicine (Exp(B) = 5.947).
Conclusion: Among the significant variables, trust was the strongest predictor of telemedicine adoption in Citta Village. Strategic efforts to enhance public trust and digital literacy are crucial in expanding telemedicine utilization, especially in remote