Women’s Openness to AI-Based Menstrual Tracking Technologies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly transforming women’s health globally, offering personalized tools for menstrual tracking, hormonal monitoring, and preventive care. However, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the sociocultural, behavioral, and technological factors that influence adoption remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE This study examines the key psychological and demographic determinants of openness to using AI-based menstrual health technologies among women in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was administered to adult women residing in the two countries (N = 273). The questionnaire assessed menstrual health awareness, technology readiness, and openness to AI health tools, alongside demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses were conducted to identify predictors and potential pathways influencing openness. RESULTS Technology readiness was the strongest predictor of openness to AI health tools (β = 0.152), followed by menstrual health awareness (β = 0.057). Mediation analysis revealed that 61% of the effect of awareness on openness was mediated through technology readiness, indicating a strong indirect pathway. Employment status also moderated the awareness–openness relationship, with part-time and self-employed women showing lower openness to using AI health tools, despite having higher awareness. Other demographic factors (e.g., age, education, nationality) were not significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS Women’s openness to AI-based menstrual health technologies in the GCC is driven more by behavioral engagement and digital familiarity than by demographic background. Culturally sensitive, tech-forward solutions that promote both menstrual health awareness and digital literacy will be essential for driving adoption in the region. Policymakers and developers should prioritize inclusive, accessible, and contextually appropriate AI tools to advance women’s health outcomes across the GCC region. CLINICALTRIAL The study protocol, titled “Women’s Openness to AI-Enabled Menstrual-Health Technologies in the GCC,” was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Kuwait University (Approval No.: KU-CBA-03-07-25). All procedures complied with the ethical standards of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Participation was voluntary, no identifying information was collected, and survey data were stored on password-protected servers accessible only to the research team. Before accessing the online questionnaire, each prospective participant viewed an electronic information sheet describing the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality protections, and the right to withdraw at any time. Informed consent was obtained electronically; respondents indicated agreement by clicking “I agree” before proceeding and could discontinue the survey at any time without penalty.