Digital Health in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study of User Perspectives, Adoption Rates, Benefits, and Challenges of Digital Health Applications

Authors

  • Alia Almoajel Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Nawaf Alnuwaysir Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Adel Ghazzai Alotaibi Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Hanan Alzaidi Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Haifa Alturki College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Reem Alsaeed College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Waleed Alsubhan Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Mohammed Almadhi Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Mohammed Muhawwis Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Shabana Tharkar Department of Community Health Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52609/jmlph.v5i4.229

Keywords:

Attitudes, Health Knowledge, Mobile Applications, Practice, Quality of Life, Saudia Arabia, Telemedicine

Abstract

Background: Digital health applications have emerged as transformative tools within healthcare systems globally. This study investigates the perceptions, adoption, perceived benefits and challenges, and factors involved in the selection of digital health apps among the residents of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. 

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire targeting residents of Riyadh aged 18 years and older. A total of 444 participants were recruited through convenience sampling via social media platforms. 

Results: Among the respondents, 90% reported using digital health applications, with Sehhaty being the most commonly used. Over 75% rated these applications as effective in improving quality of life (QoL). Key benefits included improved healthcare access, appointment booking, health awareness, and time efficiency. Fitness tracking was the most used app category (57.2%). Despite positive perceptions, 22% reported challenges, including technical difficulties and limited app compatibility. Ease of use was the most important factor (92.1%) when choosing a health app. 

Conclusion: Digital health applications have been widely adopted in Riyadh and are perceived to enhance QoL through improved access, convenience, and personal health management. The findings highlight strong user satisfaction and a growing interest in preventive care. Expanding digital health features, enhancing awareness, and integrating AI-based tools are recommended to further support health outcomes and national digital health goals.

 

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Published

2025-08-01

How to Cite

Almoajel, A., Alnuwaysir, N., Ghazzai Alotaibi, A., Alzaidi, H., Alturki, H., Alsaeed, R., Alsubhan, W., Almadhi, M., Muhawwis, M., & Tharkar, S. (2025). Digital Health in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study of User Perspectives, Adoption Rates, Benefits, and Challenges of Digital Health Applications. The Journal of Medicine, Law & Public Health, 5(4), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.52609/jmlph.v5i4.229

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): Oct-Dec

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Alia Almoajel, Nawaf Alnuwaysir, Adel Ghazzai Alotaibi, Hanan Alzaidi, Haifa Alturki, Reem Alsaeed, Waleed Alsubhan, Mohammed Almadhi, Mohammed Muhawwis, Shabana Tharkar

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