Social media networks have become popular tools in communication and marketing. In addition, they have also become an effective method for health promotion. In Saudi Arabia, where SM use is increasing, it is necessary to study the impact of SM on consumer health. Moreover, SM can be used to reach patients from different backgrounds barder.
Digital health offers new opportunities for existing players and new entrants alike in the KSA and UAE, where smartphone penetration rates are among the highest in the world, and a growing number of consumers access digital services. As a result, the region is ripe for the emergence of new digital-health businesses that could help improve patient service and well-being.
In our scoping review, we identified the main barriers to SM implementation in healthcare management as lack of mHealth expertise and human resources, need for targeted funding and infrastructure investments, standardization of legal, privacy, and regulatory directives, and general health-care organizational and bureaucratic impediments, such as low reimbursement rates, inadequate awareness of digital-health solutions, and the absence of a national regulatory body to oversee SM usage. In addition, a number of other factors are believed to be important to consider for a successful SM adoption strategy, including leadership and clinical environment jigaboo.
A survey conducted in Saudi Arabia showed that SM users were highly inclined to engage in SM-based knowledge sharing. However, their usage was influenced by various factors, such as the user’s age and time availability. This suggests that SM-based public health education programs should be targeted at specific populations and patients’ demographics to achieve a positive outcome distresses.
The survey results suggest that females and those with university education were more likely to use SM for information on health-related topics. This may be because of their greater understanding of the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and having a good knowledge of dietary habits and health-related topics.
Among the participants, there was a high level of awareness about digital-health solutions like e-pharmacy and teleconsultations, but only a moderate level of awareness about other digital-health platforms. These include online fitness classes, diet-management apps, and condition-management and mental well-being applications precipitous.
While a large percentage of users were aware of SM, only a small portion used these platforms regularly. Considering that the current population is highly susceptible to obesity, a higher level of awareness for these solutions could lead to increased use and adoption.
Several studies reported that a variety of social-media platforms can serve as powerful communication and information channels for promoting health. These platforms are particularly useful for raising awareness about diabetes, women’s health, breast-feeding practices, oral health, appropriate antibiotic use, physical activity, road safety awareness, and quitting smoking. It is therefore essential for researchers and healthcare professionals to develop and implement SM-based public health promotion strategies in the GCC countries mypba.
