Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the frequency and patterns of Sehhaty App usage, describe usability and perceived usefulness, and identify socio-demographic predictors of overall satisfaction among rural adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a validated Arabic online survey among the rural Saudi adults aged ≥18 years, residing in Jazan, during the period from December 2023 to April 2024.
Results: A total of 409 participants completed the survey, with a predominance of young adult males (60.9%) and a high level of education (68.9%). The adoption rates of Sehhaty Application (Sehhaty app) among rural residents was 94.1%. Participants generally viewed the application favorably in terms of the arrangement of information and clarity (Mean = 5.57-5.89). Furthermore, users perceive the application as an effective platform for accessing healthcare services (Mean = 5.89, Rank = 1st). Only the education level had a significant impact on the overall satisfaction with the use of Sehhaty app (p-value < 0.05). The other variables (age, sex, employment status, and family monthly income) do not significantly predicted the overall satisfaction as indicated by their high p-values and confidence intervals crossing zero.
Conclusion: The Sehhaty app demonstrated considerable potential to enhance healthcare delivery among rural residents in Saudi Arabia. Continued efforts to optimize user experience and increase awareness of digital health tools are essential for fostering health app adoption in underserved populations.

Key words: Digital health, Sehhaty app, telemedicine, healthcare accessibility, rural residents, Saudi Arabia