Abstract:
Background: The rapid expansion of the internet and the accelerated integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare have fundamentally reshaped how patients access, interpret, and act upon medical information. This study aimed to assess the impact of online health information and AI-based tools on treatment decisions, trust, and care-seeking behaviors among migraine patients in Arabspeaking countries from the MENA region.
Methods: A multinational, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 4276 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of migraine across 13 MENA countries. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, migraine history, digital health literacy (eHEALS), AI tool usage, and trust in health information sources.
Results: The mean eHealth literacy score was 29.9±6.2, with 75.6% of participants demonstrating adequate digital health literacy. Neurologists and physicians were the most trusted sources, whereas social media influencers were the least trusted. Approximately one-third of participants reported modifying migraine treatment or delaying medical consultation based on online information. In multivariable analyses, higher trust in online information was strongly associated with delayed medical consultation (aOR 6.48, 95% CI 5.53?7.58, p<0.001). In contrast, the use of AI tools was associated with lower odds of reporting treatment modification based on online advice (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.17?0.49, p<0.001). Higher trust in online information was consistently associated with both delayed care and treatment changes. Younger age, male sex, and active online information-seeking independently predicted AI use.
Conclusions: Digital health engagement, including trust in online sources and AI tool use, was significantly associated with migrainerelated decision behaviors in this multinational MENA cohort. While AI use was linked to more cautious treatment behaviors, higher trust in online information was associated with delayed medical consultation and treatment modification. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital health literacy and promoting reliable online resources.
Biography:
Hosny Maher Sultan Sultan is a researcher affiliated with Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates. His research interests focus on healthcare, digital health literacy, and the impact of artificial intelligence on patient decision-making. He has contributed to multinational studies exploring the intersection of technology and chronic disease management, particularly in the MENA region.
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