Published in PLOS One on 2025-12-31, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Digital health determinants & divide in the Arab world: A cross-sectional study
Original authors: Radwan Qasrawi, Reema Tayyem, Suliman Thwib, Ghada Issa, Malak Amro, Razan AbuGhoush, Haleama Al Sabbah, Khlood Bookari, Noor Alawadhi, Sabika Allehdan, Hana Trigui, Elie Sokhn, Yousef Khader, Eman Badran, Iman Kamel, Atiyeh Abdallah, Mohamed Jemaà, Emmanuel Musa, Jude Dzevela Kong
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0338299
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Digital determinants of health include key technological factors such as internet access, digital literacy, and the quality of online health information. These elements critically influence health outcomes and behaviors.
This study examined the impact of digital health determinants on health improvement across ten Arab countries: Bahrain, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The study analyzed a dataset of 12,522 samples after implementing SMOTE-ENN to balance underrepresented demographics, capturing data on digital literacy, internet access, and the impact of online health information on personal health.
Results showed that 93.9% of participants reported having internet access, yet 71.4% did not receive formal education on internet usage. Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan reported the highest percentages of individuals without such education. Regarding health impacts, 32.9% of participants reported significant personal health improvements linked to digital determinants. Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia had higher rates of positive health impacts, while Morocco, Jordan, and Bahrain reported the lowest health improvements. Higher digital literacy and reliable internet access were positively associated with better health outcomes across all countries, whereas specific sociodemographic and digital factors varied: younger age and urban residence were linked to greater benefit in the Gulf; education level and healthcare access were especially influential in North Africa; and in the Levant, digital literacy and use of trusted health sources showed strong impact. These findings show both shared and region-specific drivers of digital health benefits.
Improving health outcomes requires diversification: foundational education on internet usage must be combined with broader digital literacy initiatives, efforts to build and maintain trust in credible online health platforms, and strategies that actively foster patient engagement through interactive digital tools. Policies should also ensure reliable internet infrastructure and tailor interventions to regional and sociodemographic contexts to improve overall health outcomes.
1. Introduction
Digital health has a significant positive impact on health systems and is actively transforming healthcare delivery frameworks [1]. However, as healthcare relies more on digital tools and technologies, the digital divide is widening and threatens to exacerbate access disparities [2]. Although this issue is understudied, it is particularly pronounced in the Arab Middle East and North Africa region due to its diverse socio-economic conditions and differing levels of technological infrastructure [3,4]. The digital divide refers to the persistent gap in access to digital technologies such as the internet, computers, and smartphones across various populations and regions. This divide extends beyond simply owning devices and includes factors like affordability, internet speed, digital literacy, and technological skills [5]. Populations that experience poorer health outcomes often continue to face these disadvantages despite technological advancements, as the digital divide can limit their ability to benefit from improvements in healthcare technology and access to digital health resources [6].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2025 Radwan Qasrawi, Reema Tayyem, Suliman Thwib, Ghada Issa, Malak Amro, Razan AbuGhoush, Haleama Al Sabbah, Khlood Bookari, Noor Alawadhi, Sabika Allehdan, Hana Trigui, Elie Sokhn, Yousef Khader, Eman Badran, Iman Kamel, Atiyeh Abdallah, Mohamed Jemaà, Emmanuel Musa, Jude Dzevela Kong. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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