The Impacts of Electronic Word of Mouth on the Intention of Patients to Join “In Vitro Fertilization” Program

Abstract

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) is a digital marketing method that has been considered by some companies as an effective and efficient approach to enhance social learning and the environment for the customers. A social media user could benefit from gaining information from other users to aid their decision-making process. Instagram is an example of a social media platform that could be utilized for the application of eWOM. It could serve as a source of quality, credible and detailed information, and a channel to increase customer interactions and trust. This study aims to determine the effects of eWOM information generated through Instagram on patients’ intention to join the in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. By adopting the information acceptance model (IACM) theory, several parameters were evaluated: information quality, credibility, usefulness, adoption, attitude toward information, and purchase intention. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze as many as 200 respondents of Morula IVF Jakarta and were active Instagram users. The results showed that the adoption of information and attitude toward information had considerably influenced patients’ intentions to join the IVF programs. Such circumstances might have occurred as a result of the increase in information exchange about IVF, through the discussions and sharing of experiences by patients on Instagram. Furthermore, information usefulness was demonstrated to affect information adoption and was influenced by the credibility of information and attitudes toward information. Nonetheless, one variable which did not display any effects on the usefulness of information was the quality of information. In summary, the characteristics of eWOM information that were conveyed on Instagram could affect the intention of patients in joining the IVF program.

Citation

Rizal, M., Ruswanti, E. and Januarko, M.U. (2021), "The Impacts of Electronic Word of Mouth on the Intention of Patients to Join “In Vitro Fertilization” Program", Barnett, W.A. and Sergi, B.S. (Ed.) Environmental, Social, and Governance Perspectives on Economic Development in Asia (International Symposia in Economic Theory and Econometrics, Vol. 29B), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 189-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1571-03862021000029B033