Prevalence and Determinants of Mobile Health Applications Use Among Saudi Adults

Abstract

Background: mHealth applications have added new dimensions for managing individual and community health and healthcare aspects. To date, information about the prevalence and factors associated with mHealth applications’ use among the Saudi population is scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to explore determinants of mHealth Apps use among Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to approach patients and caregivers using healthcare facilities in Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Results: Overall, 470 participants completed the survey questionnaire. Females were 336 (71.6%) and 288 (61.3%) were university educated. Almost all 464 (98.7%) participants were smartphone owners and 423 (90.0%) of them have Internet access, however, 268 (57.0%) only were mHealth applications users. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that higher education (P = 0.023), easy to access and upload the applications (P = 0.030), having no difficulty in registration (P = 0.005), little effort needed for mastering the applications (0.005) were the independent factors favoring mobile health applications use. Contrariwise, feeling discomfort in using the applications (P = 0.003) and having concerns regarding violation of privacy (P = 0.036), were factors independently associated with not using these applications. Conclusion: While almost all the participants were smartphone owners and have Internet access, only a fair percent use mobile health-related apps.