AI Hesitancy and Acceptability-Perceptions of AI Chatbots for Chronic Health Management and Long COVID Support:...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Health

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offer potential benefits for individuals with chronic health conditions, including tailored information, symptom monitoring, and mental health support.
• Public attitudes toward AI healthcare chatbots remain under-researched, necessitating an understanding of user perspectives for effective implementation, particularly for long COVID support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate AI chatbot acceptance among individuals with chronic health conditions, focusing on adults over 55.
• To explore perceptions of using AI chatbots for self-management and long COVID care.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was conducted from January to March 2023, targeting individuals with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
• The survey collected 888 usable responses, considering the potential impact of ChatGPT's public launch on user opinions.

Main Results:

• Past chatbot use and online information seeking positively predicted future adoption, yet general skepticism exists regarding AI chatbots for healthcare.
• Less than a third of respondents (30.1%) were likely to use a health chatbot within 12 months, citing uncertainty about accuracy.
• Interest was higher for voice-based chatbots for mental well-being and data management; half of long COVID respondents were interested in emotionally intelligent chatbots.

Conclusions:

• AI hesitancy varies across health domains and user groups.
• Voice-based AI chatbots present opportunities for supporting chronic conditions, particularly in lifestyle enhancement and mental well-being.