Digital health adoption in nutrition care: A national cross-sectional, Arabic-validated survey and cluster analysis of patient experience and willingness to use telenutrition in Saudi Arabia

Background As part of the global digital health transformation and Saudi Vision 2030 priorities in chronic disease prevention, understanding public acceptance and preferences for telenutrition services is crucial for developing effective digital nutrition care platforms. Objectives This study aimed to adapt, translate, and validate a U.S.-based national telemedicine survey for the Saudi context, to assess adults’ prior use, comfort, willingness, and preferences regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) telenutrition services. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed by 930 Saudi adults recruited from major urban cities. The survey instrument was adapted, translated, and validated using standard procedures, including internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and two-step cluster analysis. Results Among 930 respondents, 61.5% expressed comfort and 54.9% reported willingness to use telenutrition services, increasing to 78.5% when referring to family members. Key predictors of willingness included previous experience with virtual care (OR = 1.52, p < 0.001), comfort with video consultations (OR = 1.39, p < 0.001), and access to personal health records (OR = 1.20, p < 0.041). Willingness was significantly higher among younger adults (18–29 years), employed individuals, and residents of Jeddah. Cluster analysis revealed three segments: digitally engaged and receptive, selective and independent, and supportive but personally hesitant—each characterized by differing levels of comfort and willingness to use DTC telenutrition services. Notably, only 1.3% could identify a telenutrition platform in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored, digitally inclusive telenutrition platforms that address sociodemographic differences. Investing in digital health literacy and infrastructure is essential for empowering nutrition care delivery in Saudi Arabia.