A scoping review of the views and experiences of health professionals in the Middle East and North Africa regions regarding social media use.

Abstract

Integrating social media into healthcare practice presents opportunities and poses key challenges for health professionals. While multiple reviews have been published, Western contexts receive the most attention, despite the distinct cultural and regulatory contexts that may shape social media use in other regions. The aim of this review was to scope the views and experiences of health professionals in the Middle East and North Africa region regarding social media use. Six databases were systematically searched from inception to November 2022 (updated search in March 2025). Studies published in English reporting the views and experiences of health professionals regarding social media use in 24 MENA countries were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles for selection, followed by data extraction and synthesis. Thirty-eight studies were included; the majority adopted cross-sectional methodology (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;36), with physicians the most studied group (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;18) and mostly from Saudi Arabia (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;22). Only two studies included theory in the development of data collection tools. Positive and negative views and experiences were reported along with the need for education and policies and guidance. Positive themes related to aspects of knowledge and skills, networking, patient communication, marketing, and perceptions of improved practice and enhanced patient care. Negative themes were less well reported and focused on data protection, social media being a distraction, and the perceived impact on well-being. Despite the substantial volume of existing studies, the evidence remains largely descriptive and lacking in theoretical grounding. More rigorous, in-depth research encompassing all health professional groups is needed to clarify the mechanisms through which social media influences practice. Such work is essential for informing robust policies, practical guidelines, and targeted educational strategies that can mitigate risks while maximising the professional and clinical benefits of social media use.