Barriers to the Utilisation of the Sehaty Mobile Health Application in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Non-Healthcare Users

Haitham Alzghaibi ^*

• Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia

Mobile health (mHealth) applications hold significant potential for improving healthcare accessibility and management; however, persistent barriers continue to impede their widespread adoption and effective utilisation. This cross-sectional study investigates the challenges experienced by non-healthcare users of the Sehaty app in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 403 participants using a structured questionnaire designed to assess ten primary barriers: technical limitations, usability challenges, accessibility constraints, privacy and security concerns, communication and interaction difficulties, functionality restrictions, user satisfaction deficits, cost-related barriers, time and productivity constraints, and inadequate support and training. Descriptive statistical analysis and correlation testing revealed that technical barriers, including frequent application crashes, slow response times, and instability, were among the most prevalent issues, significantly diminishing user satisfaction. Usability challenges, such as complex navigation and unintuitive interface design, further hindered the overall user experience. Privacy and security concerns, particularly regarding data protection and confidentiality, emerged as major deterrents to continued app engagement. Accessibility constraints, particularly affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities, were exacerbated by a lack of sufficient support and training. Additionally, communication and interaction difficulties were evident, with many users struggling to engage effectively with healthcare providers through the app. Functionality restrictions, including limited-service availability and inadequate integration with existing healthcare systems, contributed to user dissatisfaction. Although cost-related concerns were less prominent, some users reported financial burdens associated with mobile data usage. Furthermore, time and productivity constraints, such as prolonged processing times and inefficient workflows, negatively impacted engagement with the application. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive improvements to enhance the app's usability, reliability, security, accessibility, and functionality. Addressing these barriers through technical optimisations, user-centred design improvements, enhanced security measures, and tailored training programmes could significantly improve user engagement and facilitate broader adoption of the Sehaty app. While the study is subject to limitations related to its sampling methodology and cross-sectional design, the results provide critical insights for policymakers, developers, and healthcare stakeholders seeking to advance the effectiveness and accessibility of mHealth applications in Saudi Arabia.