The Willingness to Utilize Psychological Health Applications Among Saudis: A Study Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Abstract

Digital mental health interventions are increasingly used to address gaps in access to psychological services in Saudi Arabia. However, cultural, technological, and usability factors may shape public acceptance of these tools. This study examines the willingness of Saudis to use the Labayh mental health application, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), focusing on the roles of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to adult participants (n = 307). Validated UTAUT measures were used, and multiple regression analyses tested the effects of the 4 constructs on behavioral intention to use the application. The findings supported 3 of the 4 UTAUT constructs. Performance expectancy was the strongest predictor of behavioral intention. Effort expectancy also had a significant effect, indicating that ease of use increased adoption. Social influence significantly predicted intention, particularly among younger respondents, underscoring the role of peers, family, and clinicians. By contrast, facilitating conditions were not significant, likely reflecting a ceiling effect whereby most participants already possessed sufficient access and technical readiness, making this factor less relevant. These results indicate that acceptance of digital mental health applications in Saudi Arabia is primarily driven by perceived usefulness, ease of use, and social endorsement, whereas infrastructure plays a limited role. Efforts to increase adoption should prioritize culturally sensitive communication, usability-centered design, and engagement with trusted social and clinical influencers to encourage sustained uptake across diverse groups of users nationwide. No clinical trial registration applies.