ASSESSING SAUDI ARABIAN INDIVIDUALS' ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS ON THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION
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Keywords
Confidentiality, Attitudes, Privacy, Electronic Health, Medical Information
Abstract
Introduction: Health information privacy and confidentiality are essential for protecting personal health data in the digital age. Understanding individuals' perceptions of privacy is crucial for developing effective policies and technologies.
Aim and Objective: This study aimed to assess Saudi Arabian Individuals' Attitudes and Perceptions on the Confidentiality and Privacy of Electronic Health and Medical Information
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 1034 Saudi Arabians aged 18 and above in 2023. The questionnaire consisted of 26 questions covering demographic information, awareness, and policies related to privacy and confidentiality.
Results: The survey revealed that approximately 43.5% of participants reported average computer skills. 4.1% experienced severe breaches of personal health information without consent. Additionally, 9.6% chose to forgo medical testing due to concerns about result confidentiality. 8.9% expressed discomfort with healthcare professionals using computers, and 13.6% had concerns about invading personal information. Regarding awareness of their right to access and modify medical records, 29.1% were aware, 25.7% were unaware, and 45.3% were uncertain.
Conclusions: This research presents insight into Saudi nationals' views and understanding of health data privacy in the digital era. Analysis of responses from 1034 participants revealed nuanced attitudes regarding confidentiality and security of health information on online platforms. Our results could have lasting ramifications for shaping health policy within Saudi Arabia, particularly by emphasizing the need for robust strategies that protect personal health data, instilling greater trust and safety into digital healthcare systems used by users. Future research should address these findings by exploring larger samples, conducting longitudinal studies, and employing qualitative methods.
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Anas Alhur
College of Public Health and Health Informatics University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
Afrah Ali Alhur
University of Hail, KSA
Ebtehal Ali Baawadh
Ministry of Health (MOH)
Ahmed Khalufeh Alkhathami
The Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Maha ali sahli
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Zahra jaffar Ghaith
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Fay fahad alodail
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Asma Saeed Alghamdi
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Salma Mohammed Alghanoom
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Asrar Abdullah aljohani
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Ahmed Farhan Aldafiri
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Rihab Abduallh Ali
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Yusra Saleh Almoghams
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Khaled Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA
Latifa Ahmed Binarafa
Ministry of Health (MOH), KSA