Providing Arabic Online Health Information to the Public in Saudi Arabia: Scoping review and Qualitative Exploration of consumer preferences and content creator experience.

Abstract

Background Saudi Arabia, home to 33 million people, is a nation undergoing rapid transformation driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. The country’s predominantly young population relies heavily on the internet as an information source for news and otherwise. However, due to the generally low English proficiency, most online activity occurs in Arabic. The quality of health information available in Arabic is often subpar. This means that information is mediated by healthcare professionals and not easily accessible to the public. Addressing the need for accurate Arabic online health information is crucial for empowering the Saudi public and supporting the healthcare transformation goals set by Vision 2030. Aim To propose key elements to consider when creating online Arabic health information for the public in Saudi Arabia. Objectives 1. Identify what is known about the use of online health information (OHI) in Saudi Arabia. 2. Explore the perceptions and preferences of consumers when using the Internet for health information. 3. Explore the experience of Arabic OHI content creators and their decision- making processes when creating and providing their content. Methods Methods were selected to match objectives: first objective was addressed with a systematic scoping review. For the second and third objectives, qualitative interviews with consumers and content creators of Arabic OHI in Saudi Arabia were conducted, respectively. Results The scoping review indicated a significant demand for Arabic OHI in Saudi Arabia. Approximately a third of the population identified the Internet as a source of their health information knowledge. Younger, educated women with higher incomes, and individuals with chronic diseases were more likely to use the internet for health information. Interviews with consumers of Arabic OHI revealed a gap between consumers’ expectation and needs; and the currently available Arabic OHI content. Interviews with content creators elucidated the benefits and struggles of the decision-making processes involved in providing OHI in Arabic. Conclusion This thesis provides the foundation for providing OHI in Arabic for population of Saudi Arabian population. The establishment of a comprehensive and credible digital health information infrastructure is of paramount importance. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and adhering to ethical standards, we can create a more informed and healthier society.