PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Telemedicine has consistently reported low adoption among Malaysian citizens, especially among University Gen-Z. Therefore, this study aims to investigate telemedicine adoption among Malaysian Gen Z consumers and how self-efficacy mediates the relationship between consumer perceptions. A questionnaire was distributed to 408 Malaysian University Gen Z respondents aged 18 and above living in the Kuala Lumpur urban area via face-to-face survey. After data screening for straight lining and incomplete responses, 395 valid cases were retained for analysis. Smart PLS was then employed to examine the direct association between the variables, including the mediator. The results showed that performance expectancy and trust have no direct relationship with telemedicine adoption among Gen-Z; however, when self-efficacy was used as a mediator, it showed a positive mediating effect on all tested independent variables and telemedicine adoption. The telemedicine framework in this study may offer a deeper understanding of the issues faced in telemedicine adoption in Malaysian urban areas. This study concludes that the psychological bridge that self-efficacy posits has a positive effect on the adoption of telemedicine among urbanites. In addition, the right mechanisms are provided to healthcare providers and policymakers to enhance future adoption of telemedicine.