Nora Atallah1, Mohamed Khalifa2, Ashraf El Metwally1, Mowafa Househ3. 1. College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2. Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. 3. College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: mowafah@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) applications provide new methods of engagement with patients and can help patients manage their mental health condition. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to explore the prevalence of the use of mobile health applications for mental health patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 376 participants with depression and/or anxiety completed an online survey distributed by social networks which asked questions relating to mobile phone ownership, uses of health applications, and utilization patterns to track mental health related issues. RESULTS: Approximately, 46% of the participants reported running one or two healthcare related applications on their mobile phones. In all age groups, 64% of the participants used their mobile phones to access information related to their own health. Also, 64% of the participants expressed interest in using their own mobile phones to track and follow the progression of their depression and/or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Developing mobile health applications for Saudi mental health patients is needed since it can offer opportunities for patients, researchers, caregivers, and legislators to work together to improve the state of mental health care in Saudi Arabia.
BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) applications provide new methods of engagement with patients and can help patients manage their mental health condition. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to explore the prevalence of the use of mobile health applications for mental health patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 376 participants with depression and/or anxiety completed an online survey distributed by social networks which asked questions relating to mobile phone ownership, uses of health applications, and utilization patterns to track mental health related issues. RESULTS: Approximately, 46% of the participants reported running one or two healthcare related applications on their mobile phones. In all age groups, 64% of the participants used their mobile phones to access information related to their own health. Also, 64% of the participants expressed interest in using their own mobile phones to track and follow the progression of their depression and/or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Developing mobile health applications for Saudi mental health patients is needed since it can offer opportunities for patients, researchers, caregivers, and legislators to work together to improve the state of mental health care in Saudi Arabia.
Authors: Mirëlinda Shala; Naser Morina; Sebastian Burchert; Arlinda Cerga-Pashoja; Christine Knaevelsrud; Andreas Maercker; Eva Heim Journal: Internet Interv Date: 2020-08-27
Authors: Mariam Almeqbaali; Sofia Ouhbi; Mohamed Adel Serhani; Leena Amiri; Reem K Jan; Nazar Zaki; Ayman Sharaf; Abdulla Al Helali; Eisa Almheiri Journal: JMIR Serious Games Date: 2022-08-02 Impact factor: 3.364