Exploring awareness, perception, and usage patterns of mobile health applications among public: a kap based study in andhra pradesh

Mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as essential tools for promoting health awareness, improving access to care, and supporting preventive health behaviours. Understanding users’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these apps is vital for developing effective digital health strategies. This study aimed to assess the awareness, perceptions, and usage patterns of mHealth applications among the general public in Andhra Pradesh. A cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey was conducted amo ng 1,089 participants aged 21 – 80 years from diverse educational backgrounds. Data related to awareness, perceptions, and practices of mHealth app usage were collected and analysed descriptively. Young adults aged 21 – 30 years formed the largest group (32.8%), and females constituted 56% of participants. Awareness was high (91.1%), and all respondents owned smartphones with internet access. The most common uses of mHealth apps were booking doctor ap pointments (64.3%), fitness tracking, and accessing health ed ucation. Most participants found these apps useful (90%), easy to use (94%), and trusted certified apps (96%). Nearly all respondents (99.6%) reported using mHealth apps, with 96% using them daily and 99% recommending them to others. Additionally, 73% repo rted reading privacy policies, and all agreed that increased public awareness of mHealth applications is needed. The findings highlight widespread mHealth adoption driven by digital literacy, trust, and perceived usefulness.