Knowledge and perception of mHealth medication adherence applications among pharmacists and pharmacy students in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The advances in digital health, including mobile healthcare (mHealth) medication adherence applications (MApps), have been demonstrated to support medication adherence and improve health outcomes. However, there remains a significant gap in the understanding of MApps among healthcare professionals, particularly in pharmacy. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perception of the MApps among pharmacy stakeholders. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 223 pharmacists and pharmacy students in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between 1st and 30th April 2023. The survey collected information about the participants' socio-demographics, knowledge, and perception of the MApps. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS 28.0. Among the 223 participants included in the study, 105 (47.1%) were pharmacists and 118 (52.9%) were students. Most participants were females (72.6%) and aged 18-30 years (70.4%). About half of the total participants demonstrated poor knowledge of the MApps [pharmacists (48.0%), and students (42.0%)], who mainly encountered <i>Medisafe</i> (18.1%) or <i>Pills</i> (17.0%) MApps, respectively. Most participants had a positive perception of the usefulness of the MApps (pharmacists, 79.0%; students, 80.0%). Notably, over 85% of the participants expressed willingness to know and provide guidance on MApps, with over 50% willing to recommend it to the patients. In conclusion, the study demonstrates limited knowledge with a positive perception of mHealth medication adherence applications among pharmacists and pharmacy students. Integrating digital adherence tools like the MApps into pharmacy training and professional development could significantly improve professional practice competencies, and optimize healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.