Table 2.
Summary of Barriers and Facilitators to Smartphone and Tablet Use, in Order of Frequency
| Barriers to smartphone and tablet use | Facilitators to smartphone and tablet use |
|---|---|
| 1. Motor impairments (n = 8, 29%) | 1. Perceived usefulness (n = 9, 32%) |
| 2. Sensory impairments (n = 7, 25%) | 2. Preexisting familiarity with computers, ICT, and smart devices (n = 8, 29%) |
| 3. Device-specific complaints (n = 6, 21%) | 3. Portability of device (n = 6, 21%) |
| 4. Difficult to learn to use (n = 6, 21%) | 4. Convenience of multiple functions in one, small device (n = 5, 18%) |
| 5. Cognitive impairments (n = 4, 14%) | |
| 6. Lack of knowledge and familiarity (n = 4, 14%) | 5. Easy to use (n = 5, 18%) |
| 7. Lack of instruction (n = 3, 11%) | 6. Perception of smartphone as nonstigmatizing (n = 5, 18%) |
| 8. Older age (n = 3, 11%) | 7. Feeling of connectedness with others (n = 4, 14%) |
| 9. Technology anxiety and technophobia (n = 3, 11%) | 8. Enhanced independence and self-efficacy (n = 4, 14%) |
| 10. Cost of device (n = 2, 7%) | 9. Device use met individual needs (n = 4, 14%) |
| 11. Dislike of smartphone (n = 2, 7%) | 10. Engagement in training intervention (n = 3, 11%) |
| 12. Lower level of education (n = 2, 7%) | 11. Enjoyment of learning something new (n = 3, 11%) |
| 13. Lack of confidence (n = 2, 7%) | 12. Interest and willingness to learn to use (n = 3, 11%) |
| 14. No perceived need/confidence in existing cognitive and memory abilities (n = 2,7%) | 13. Motivation from family and friends (n = 3, 11%) |
| 14. Younger age (n = 3, 11%) | |
| 15. Overwhelming choice of devices (n = 2, 7%) | 15. Access to information and Internet (n = 2, 7%) |
| 16. Preexisting strategies to aid memory (n = 2, 7%) | 16. Feeling of safety (n = 2, 7%) |
| 17. Fear of addiction to technology (n = 1, 4%) | 17. Higher level of education (n = 2, 7%) |
| 18. Feelings of inadequacy in comparison to younger generations (n = 1, 4%) | 18. Audible notifications (n = 1, 4%) |
| 19. Compatibility with lifestyle (n = 1, 4%) | |
| 19. Higher socioeconomic status (n = 1, 4%) | 20. Being in employment (n = 1, 4%) |
| 20. ICT functionality did not meet individual needs (n = 1, 4%) | 21. Enjoyment of app use (n = 1, 4%) |
| 21. Lack of interest (n = 1, 4%) | 22. Low smartphone anxiety (n = 1, 4%) |
| 22. Living alone (n = 1, 4%) | 23. Older age (n = 1, 4%) |
| 23. Perception of ICT as “cheating” (n = 1, 4%) | 24. Physical features of device (n = 1, 4%) |
| 24. Presence or suspicion of geriatric cognitive disorder (n = 1, 4%) | 25. Positive attitude to technology (n = 1, 4%) |
| 25. Speech impairments (n = 1, 4%) | 26. Presence of chronic health conditions (n = 1, 4%) |
| 27. Sense of competence and mastery (n = 1, 4%) | |
| 28. Versatility of device (n = 1, 4%) |
Note: ICT = Information and communications technology.