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2026, Vol: 10, Issue: 6
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Original Article
Online Published: 27 Apr 2026
 


The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia

Yara S. Aljohani, Alhanouf A. Alharbi, Amerah, S. Alalawi, Shorooq M. Alhousawi, Hind N. Alsubaiyi, Khadijah K. Alsamkari, Shahad A. Alharbi, Lubna H. Alomari, Inass Taha.


Abstract
Background:
Managing chronic diseases imposes a significant social and financial strain on individuals and healthcare systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia, telemedicine gained popularity as it allowed remote healthcare delivery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of telemedicine on improving healthcare access for adults with chronic illnesses. 
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Medina, Saudi Arabia, from June 2024 to August 2024. It included 387 adults aged 18–75 years who were diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or asthma. The study investigated their use of telemedicine. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. 
Results:
A total of 387 participants were included in the study. Among them, 55% reported telemedicine use, primarily through the Sehhaty platform (62%). Telemedicine was adopted by females (60.5%) at a higher rate than males (39.5%), and among unemployed individuals (40.3%). The majority of users were aged 45 years or older (62.8%), indicating higher acceptance among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Participants showed great acceptance toward telemedicine, with 58.4% agreeing it facilitates appointment scheduling, 57.6% stating it reduces waiting time, and 56.6% citing cost savings. However, 32.6% expressed concerns regarding technical issues, and 27.9% believed that telemedicine lacked sufficient physician attention. 
Conclusion:
The study found that telemedicine demonstrated a positive perception, especially among female patients and older individuals with chronic diseases. However, there are areas of concern among participants regarding technological reliability issues, privacy, and the adequacy of virtual consultations.

Key words: Chronic illness; Remote healthcare; Telemedicine; healthcare access


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Aljohani YS, Alharbi AA, Amerah , Alalawi S, Alhousawi SM, Alsubaiyi HN, Alsamkari KK, Alharbi SA, Alomari LH, Taha I. The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. IJMDC. Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437

Web Style

Aljohani YS, Alharbi AA, Amerah , Alalawi S, Alhousawi SM, Alsubaiyi HN, Alsamkari KK, Alharbi SA, Alomari LH, Taha I. The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=305534 [Access: June 22, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Aljohani YS, Alharbi AA, Amerah , Alalawi S, Alhousawi SM, Alsubaiyi HN, Alsamkari KK, Alharbi SA, Alomari LH, Taha I. The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. IJMDC. Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Aljohani YS, Alharbi AA, Amerah , Alalawi S, Alhousawi SM, Alsubaiyi HN, Alsamkari KK, Alharbi SA, Alomari LH, Taha I. The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. IJMDC, [cited June 22, 2026]; Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


Harvard Style

Aljohani, Y. S., Alharbi, . A. A., Amerah, ., Alalawi, . S., Alhousawi, . S. M., Alsubaiyi, . H. N., Alsamkari, . K. K., Alharbi, . S. A., Alomari, . L. H. & Taha, . I. (2026) The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. IJMDC, Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


Turabian Style

Aljohani, Yara S., Alhanouf A. Alharbi, Amerah, S. Alalawi, Shorooq M. Alhousawi, Hind N. Alsubaiyi, Khadijah K. Alsamkari, Shahad A. Alharbi, Lubna H. Alomari, and Inass Taha. 2026. The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


Chicago Style

Aljohani, Yara S., Alhanouf A. Alharbi, Amerah, S. Alalawi, Shorooq M. Alhousawi, Hind N. Alsubaiyi, Khadijah K. Alsamkari, Shahad A. Alharbi, Lubna H. Alomari, and Inass Taha. "The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Aljohani, Yara S., Alhanouf A. Alharbi, Amerah, S. Alalawi, Shorooq M. Alhousawi, Hind N. Alsubaiyi, Khadijah K. Alsamkari, Shahad A. Alharbi, Lubna H. Alomari, and Inass Taha. "The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. Web. 22 Jun 2026 doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Aljohani, Y. S., Alharbi, . A. A., Amerah, ., Alalawi, . S., Alhousawi, . S. M., Alsubaiyi, . H. N., Alsamkari, . K. K., Alharbi, . S. A., Alomari, . L. H. & Taha, . I. (2026) The role of telemedicine in improving access to health care for adult patients with chronic illnesses in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 27 Apr, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1767549437




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