A community-based cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the usage of mHealth applications among adults

Background: mHealth applications serve an important role in public health initiatives for both healthcare providers and patients. The utilization of mHealth applications has not met anticipated levels, potentially attributable to multiple factors, including limited awareness of these applications within the general populace. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on the usage of mHealth applications among adults residing in the study area. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (January–June 2023) among 814 adults residing in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. A semi-structured, pretested, and face-validated questionnaire incorporated in the Epicollect5 application was used for data collection by face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using R 4.2.1 software. Written informed consent was sought from all participants. Institute ethical committee approval was obtained for the study. Results: Among 819 adults, 21.3% were aware of mHealth applications and 39% were willing to use mHealth applications. Only 4.4% of them had used mHealth applications in the past year. Conclusion: The KAP on usage of mHealth applications were very low and various sociodemographic determinants such as age, gender, occupation, and residence were found to be significantly associated with it.