Knowledge, attitude and practice toward the mHealth app Mawid: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The Mawid app is a mobile appointment system that may improve access to primary healthcare services in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the Saudis’ level of knowledge of the Mawid app, their attitude towards it and their practice or use of it. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. The data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms from April to May 2021. Linear regression and binomial logit models were used to answer the research questions. RESULTS: A total of 916 responses were collected. There were significant effects of gender, age, marital status, occupation, income and region on knowledge scores (p<0.05). Higher knowledge scores predict greater agreement that the Mawid app facilitates access to health services (p<0.001). The probability of using the app is predicted to be greater among individuals who agree that the Mawid app facilitates access to care (p<0.001). The probability of using the app is predicted to be higher among individuals who have a higher frequency of using primary health centres (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Ministry of Health has declared eHealth as a transformational enabler for patient-centric care. This study found that the Mawid app facilitated access and improved healthcare services. Knowledge positively influences attitudes toward the app and subsequently its use.