Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Understanding the Factors Influencing the Acceptance and Adoption of Mobile Health Applications by Physicians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Saudi Arabia(University of Technology Sydney, 2025-01) Alsahli, Sultan; Lam, Mary; Hor, Su-yin; Rogers, KrisBackground: The rapid evolution of mobile health applications has become increasingly crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the critical role of these technologies, acceptance and adoption rates among physicians in developing countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have remained relatively low. This highlights the need to explore the determinants of their acceptance and adoption. Aim: This thesis aimed to investigate the key factors influencing Saudi physicians’ intentions toward using mHealth applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This mixed methods research was conducted in three phases, each addressing specific objective and research question. In phase 1, a systematic review was conducted to present all available evidence of mHealth acceptance and adoption from the perspectives of physicians. Phase 2 applied a quantitative design based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to investigate key factors influencing physicians’ behavioural intentions to adopt mHealth apps. Data were collected via an online survey and analysed using structural equation modeling. Phase 3 employed a qualitative design, exploring additional context-specific factors not accounted for by the UTAUT model through semi- structured interviews. The qualitative data were analysed using template analysis. Results: The systematic review identified technological, individual, and organizational factors affecting physicians’ acceptance of mHealth apps during the pandemic. The quantitative study found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly influenced physicians’ intention to use mHealth applications. Qualitative findings highlighted additional factors unique to the Saudi context, such as concerns about data privacy, patient engagement, compatibility with religious and cultural norms, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. These factors shaped physicians’ perceptions and adoption behaviours, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to promote mHealth in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: This thesis extends the UTAUT model by incorporating context-specific factors relevant to developing countries like Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the need for investments in infrastructure, targeted training programs, and policies that address both technological and cultural concerns. By fostering an environment that supports the integration of mHealth applications into routine practice, healthcare organizations can improve both healthcare delivery and patient outcomes during health crises and beyond. The study provides critical insights for policymakers and healthcare managers seeking to enhance the acceptance and use of mHealth technologies in similar global contexts. Future research should examine the perspectives of other healthcare workers and patients for a comprehensive understanding of mHealth adoption while also exploring its long-term impact on patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.22 0