Determinants of mobile health application utilization in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study of perceptions, barriers, and engagement

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are increasingly used to support health promotion and chronic disease management. However, evidence from Middle Eastern low-resource settings remains limited. This study assessed perceptions, usage patterns, barriers, and determinants of mHealth apps utilization among adults visiting community pharmacies in Lebanon. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and September 2025 across selected community pharmacies in Lebanon’s six main districts. Face-to-face interviews collected sociodemographic data, perceptions, usage patterns, and barriers. Bivariate analyses identified factors associated with mHealth use, and multivariable logistic regression determined independent predictors. Among 514 participants (mean age 38.9 ± 8.6 years), 71.6% reported mHealth apps use. Perceptions among all participants were generally positive (mean score 47.3 ± 6.2/60). Users predominantly relied on lifestyle-related apps including step counters (73.8%), fitness (53.0%), and calorie trackers (50.9%). Only 20.9% of users reported sustained medication adherence. Nearly half of users encountered barriers such as poor internet access, low motivation, information overload, and privacy concerns. Higher mHealth apps use was independently associated with higher BMI (ORa = 2.123), urban residence (ORa = 2.273), working in a health-related profession (ORa = 1.420), having chronic conditions (ORa = 2.693), excellent perceived health knowledge (ORa = 1.223), greater medication use (ORa = 1.157), and more positive attitudes (ORa = 1.115). Lower odds of use were found among older adults and individuals residing in the Bekaa and North Lebanon regions. mHealth apps are widely used and positively perceived among adults visiting community pharmacies in Lebanon but show modest impact on long-term adherence and remain hindered by usability, connectivity, and privacy barriers. Addressing national and regional digital inequities, strengthening clinical endorsement, and improving app quality are essential for maximizing mHealth value in resource-constrained areas.