Impact of Digital Mental Health Interventions on Disparities in Mental Health Service Utilization in Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.7s.23-32Keywords:
Digital mental health, Saudi Arabia, health disparities, telepsychiatry, stigma, service utilizationAbstract
Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have emerged as transformative tools in addressing mental health disparities in Saudi Arabia, where the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders is 34.2%. This systematic review evaluates the impact of DMHIs, such as telepsychiatry, mobile apps, and AI-driven platforms like the Saudi Mental Health Access and Referral Centralized system (SMARC), on service utilization, accessibility, and stigma reduction. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analyzed seven studies from 548 records, encompassing cross-sectional, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs.
Findings indicate that DMHIs significantly improved service access, with SMARC recording over 10,000 referrals and an 82.5% acceptance rate. However, regional disparities persist, with urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah benefiting disproportionately due to better infrastructure, while rural regions face challenges like poor internet connectivity and low digital literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated DMHI adoption, particularly for online therapy, yet rural uptake remained limited. Culturally adapted interventions, including gender-segregated platforms and WhatsApp-based psychoeducation, effectively reduced stigma, with 97.4% of users expressing satisfaction. However, deep-seated cultural stigma and privacy concerns continue to hinder engagement, especially among women and conservative communities.
Key barriers include uneven digital infrastructure, technical difficulties, and literacy gaps. Recommendations include targeted investments in rural digital health, hybrid (digital and in-person) models, and community-based stigma reduction campaigns. By integrating global best practices with localized solutions, Saudi Arabia can leverage DMHIs to bridge mental health disparities. Policymakers must prioritize equitable access to ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach all populations.
