ISSN: 2226-3624
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This literature review examines factors influencing users’ adoption of M?Health apps, integrating psychological, technological, and behavioral perspectives with a focus on implications for the KSA. Drawing on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM), Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), and related frameworks, the review synthesizes evidence on key antecedents perceived value, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, health/e?health literacy, optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, insecurity, and health consciousness and their effects on behavioral intention and actual usage. It highlights implementation barriers such as usability, interoperability, privacy/security concerns, and uneven digital literacy that impede sustained engagement despite high smartphone penetration and national digital health initiatives. The review identifies significant research gaps: limited integration of dispositional and perceptual constructs, insufficient mediation and moderation analyses (notably the mediating role of behavioral intention and moderating effects of age), and sparse context?specific empirical work in Middle Eastern public health systems. Recommendations include adopting integrated TRAM?based models, employing longitudinal and mixed?methods designs, testing mediating/moderating mechanisms, and conducting intervention trials (usability redesigns, literacy programs, privacy transparency) to translate infrastructure investments into equitable, long?term M?Health adoption.
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