Using mobile health applications to enhance physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study on users’ perceptions

Background: This research aims to assess the users’ perceptions of usability and quality of mobile health applications used for promoting physical activity in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. A survey was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and distributed among the Saudi population through social media to assess the users’ perceptions of using mobile applications to enhance physical activity. The survey questionnaire consisted of 27 questions in six sections, including demographics (nine items), perceived usefulness (three items), perceived ease of use (three items), attitudes (three items), user experience (six items) and subjective quality (three items). All the participants were in Saudi Arabia and >15 y of age. Results: A total of 195 m-Health users participated in the survey. Of the total participants, 25.1% were overweight and 21.0% were obese. The workout frequency of most users was rarely (32.3%) and three to four times a week (29.2%). In addition, 55.9% of the users agreed that the application they use served all fitness levels and >80% either agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy for them to learn how to use the application. More than 70% of users agreed or strongly agreed that the application enhanced their knowledge of workouts and physical activity and >90% would recommend the application to others. There were no differences identified between the male and female participants and younger (<40 y) and older (>40 y) participants with respect to perceived usefulness and ease of use, attitudes, experiences and subjective quality. However, significant differences were observed between participants <40 y and >40 y of age in terms of perceived ease of use of mHealth applications. Conclusion: mHealth users across Saudi Arabia believe that the mHealth applications have good usability and quality factors. As a result, they can motivate people and help them achieve their goals in relation to physical activities.