Perceived effectiveness and use of personal biomedical devices for noncommunicable disease self-management among adult university students in Costa Rica: a cross-sectional study

Background Personal biomedical devices have become increasingly accessible tools for supporting self-monitoring and self-care in the prevention and self-management of noncommunicable diseases. However, evidence suggests that ownership of these devices does not always translate into sustained use, particularly among young and generally healthy populations. This study aimed to examine the perceived effectiveness and use of personal biomedical devices among adult university students in Costa Rica and to explore behavioral factors influencing their integration into self-care practices. Methods A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult university students at a private university in Costa Rica between July and August 2025. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire assessing ownership and use of personal biomedical devices, perceived effectiveness, behavioral determinants of technology use, and self-care practices. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and response distributions. Results A total of 234 students participated, of whom 59.9% reported owning at least one personal biomedical device. Among device owners, most reported rare use, despite generally positive perceptions of device accuracy, usefulness, and ease of use. Trust in device measurements and perceived benefits for health monitoring were high; however, fewer than half of participants considered device use part of their regular self-care routine. Behavioral determinants related to effort expectancy and performance expectancy were favorable, while habit formation indicators were weak. Most participants reported healthy lifestyle behaviors but infrequent monitoring of physiological parameters. Conclusions Although personal biomedical devices were widely perceived as effective and easy to use, their integration into routine self-care among adult university students was limited. These findings highlight a gap between technological acceptance and sustained behavioral adoption, emphasizing the need for strategies that promote habit formation, digital health literacy, and contextual support. Universities and public health initiatives may play a key role in fostering consistent preventive self-monitoring practices among young adults.