Evaluating the customers' dining attitudes, e-satisfaction and continuance intention toward mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs): evidence from Bangladesh

Purpose - This study was designed to specifically explore confirmation and perceived usefulness associated with mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs) in consideration of their impacts upon attitudes, satisfaction and intention to continuously use. Design/methodology/approach - The research utilized the convenience sampling to gather data from 250 respondents having prior experience with MFOAs during COVID-19 pandemic period in Bangladesh. The Structural Equation Modeling technique was applied to analyze the data using SmartPLS 3 software. Findings - This study's results showed that customers' perceived confirmation and usefulness were significant in determining their dinning attitudes. Besides, customers' dining attitudes were positively related to e-satisfaction. Finally, the customers' continuance intention to use MFOAs was significantly influenced by their e-satisfaction. Research limitations/implications - Restaurants managers should focus on online sales through MFOAs during the pandemic period since social distancing is a key strategy to manage COVID-19. Customers should be assured that the safety measures are undertaken while delivering the food. Originality/value - This study incorporated the expectation-confirmation theory and technology acceptance model and tested it in the context of MFOAs.

Trust in the Bangladeshi health system during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods exploration

Lack of trust in public health institutions hinders pandemic management. Our aim was to determine levels of impersonal and interpersonal trust in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response in Bangladesh. As this mixed-methods research was conducted during the pandemic, data was gathered via an online survey involving 508 respondents, along with seven online focus group discussions with 50 purposively selected participants. Survey respondents have less trust in the health system than in the service providers. The lowest level of trust was observed in the Fairness content area of trust. While some non-clinical participants blamed doctors for shying away from caregiving during the pandemic, most praised them for providing care, risking their lives, and even sacrificing their lives in the process. Several participants also cited a lack of fairness in pandemic management, such as visible attempts by the decision-makers to protect the business interests without consideration for the safety of the poor. However, both clinicians and non-clinicians concurred on the need for the service providers to improve communication related to COVID-19 management. Health sector stewards in Bangladesh should take a science-based, equity-focused pandemic response to gain both impersonal and interpersonal trust and build a resilient health system in the long run. © 2021, Mahidol University - ASEAN Institute for Health Development. All rights reserved.