ROLE OF AI CHATBOTS IN PROMOTING HEALTH AWARENESS AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE. EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL STUDIES WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR RURAL INDIA

Abstract

Chronic diseases are a growing global issue post-Coronavirus pandemic, and there is an urgent need for broader, cost-effective health interventions to help people with diagnosis and access to medical care Gabarrón et al., (2020). AI chatbots are proving to be powerful instruments that promote health and educate patients via human-like interactions Galdames (2023). The significance of AI chatbots in disseminating information on how to lead healthy lifestyles and change behaviour is explored in this paper. Recent findings from a meta-analysis of the scientific literature suggest that the use of AI chatbots has the potential to encourage individuals to exercise more, eat right, and adopt good sleep practices Singh et al., (2023). Several research studies have been undertaken in developing regions such as Africa and South Asia, and artificial intelligence chatbots are widely used to raise health awareness in such poor conditions. There are similarities between these contexts and rural India. According to the literature review, the role of chatbots in effective healthcare largely depends on their adaptation, trust, and integration into the community health system. Although there have been successful cases, there remains a lack of empirical data on the effectiveness of chatbots in rural India. This research analysed previous studies, assessing the usefulness and usability of conversational agents, finding that they provide a supportive environment for discussing health-related issues, but that more rigorous randomised controlled trials are needed to establish causality. It also discusses the usefulness of AI Chatbots in the Indian healthcare scenario.