Digital Mental Health Applications: Utilization, Perceptions, and Barriers Among Medical Students at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 2024, A Cross-Sectional Study

<ns3:p>Background This study investigates the psychological and technological factors influencing the utilization of mental health applications among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, The study aims to evaluate the prevalence, perceptions, and barriers related to mental health applications usage, identify demographic and psychological factors influencing their adoption, and estimate the prevalence of mental health conditions among undergraduate medical students at Umm Al-Qura University in 2024. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University among 255 undergraduate medical students using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a validated, self-administered (English) online questionnaire adapted from a previously published study. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, smartphone usage, mental health app use, and perceived barriers. The Statistical analysis included Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and logistic regression, performed using R software version 4.2.2. And confidentiality was strictly maintained. Results The SEM model exhibited an exemplary fit (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.029, RMSEA < 0.001, SRMR = 0.027). Cognitive Influence was significantly represented by variables such as the perceived importance of mental health and awareness of available resources. In contrast, neither Social Influence nor Technology Compatibility exhibited significant predictive pathways to Cognitive Influence. The covariance between Social Influence and Technology Compatibility was significant (p = 0.011), suggesting a potential indirect relationship. Observed variables, including “Technology helps positively” and “Peer influence item,” demonstrated strong factor loadings (p < 0.001). Conclusion This research underscores the intricate interplay between psychological, technological, and demographic variables in the adoption of mental health applications. Interventions designed to enhance cognitive awareness and promote tailored application development may significantly improve uptake among medical students.</ns3:p>