Investigating the mediating role of ethical issues and healthcare between the metaverse and mental health in Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This article examines the mediating role of ethical issues and healthcare on the relationship between the Metaverse and mental health. It also investigates the impact of the Metaverse on ethical issues and healthcare. It is based on quantitative methodology. Using a purposive sampling technique, a close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 392 nurses and doctors across Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique was used for the analysis. The findings show a significant mediating role of ethical issues between the Metaverse and mental health. The results do not support the mediating role of healthcare between the Metaverse and mental health. In addition, the findings also show a positive relationship between the Metaverse and ethical issues and between ethical issues and mental health. Similarly, the findings also support the relationship between the Metaverse and healthcare. The results do not support the relationship between healthcare and mental health. The study has many implications for technology developers, scientists, policymakers, and healthcare providers.

Factors affecting the adoption of metaverse in healthcare: The moderating role of digital division, and meta-culture

“…Keeping in mind the future role of technology in society, the word “metaverse” came into existence. Various type of digital health technologies that leads to the creation of a metaverse is discussed by Dawn [ 12 ]. The traditional healthcare system is incapable of addressing modern-day challenges and it is necessary to address them.…”