Purpose
This study examined nursing students' experiences of using digital healthcare applications in terms of the source and demand of socio-psychological needs, expectations, exposures, use satisfaction, and derivative effects based on the components of use satisfaction theory.
Methods
This study was conducted using focus group interviews, and data were collected from 12 nursing students enrolled in two universities located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province from April 1 to May 31, 2023.
Results
The nursing students mainly used digital healthcare applications to address needs such as sleep, exercise, goal setting, social support, and motivation, which included the need for physical well-being, growth and development, emotional stability, and social needs. Participants met various needs such as achieving goals, feeling of achievement, enhancing self-confidence, and acquiring helpful information through digital healthcare applications. The satisfaction gained in setting and achieving goals was the driving force for motivation.
Conclusion
Nursing students value intuitive interfaces, personalized features, and appropriate notifications. Step-by-step rewards and reasonable pricing are also vital for using digital healthcare apps. These findings should be incorporated into developing programs to improve nursing students' health management and digital healthcare skills.