Mobile App and Social Media Platforms in Enhancing Mental Health Services Access for Urban Youth in Cairo, Egypt: An Evaluation

The Cairo metropolitan area is home to a significant population of urban youth who face mental health challenges due to socio-economic pressures and limited access to traditional healthcare services. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis from app usage surveys with qualitative interviews exploring user experiences and perceptions of these digital tools. Mobile apps and social media platforms showed a positive trend in increasing engagement among urban youth seeking mental health support, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who had limited access to traditional services. The integration of mobile technology into mental health services is promising for improving accessibility and utilization by underserved populations. Future research should investigate long-term impacts and scalability of these digital interventions. Policy makers should consider funding the development and promotion of reputable mental health apps, while also encouraging collaboration between traditional healthcare providers and tech developers to ensure comprehensive support solutions.