Interactive Conversational Agents for Perinatal Health: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Interactive conversational agents, or chatbots, leverage AI and NLP for human-like dialogue.
• Chatbots are increasingly utilized in diverse sectors, including education and healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize research on chatbots for women and expectant parents.
• Focus on the preconception, pregnancy, and up to 12 months postpartum.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive search across six major bibliographic databases.
• Systematic screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal by independent reviewers.
• Inclusion criteria focused on women and parents in the perinatal period.

Main Results:

• Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, with global representation.
• Reported benefits include high user satisfaction, improved health intentions/behaviors, and increased knowledge.
• Chatbots enhanced access to health information and professional interactions.

Conclusions:

• Chatbots are effective digital interventions in the perinatal period.
• These agents positively impact knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and healthcare utilization.
• Chatbot interventions show potential for greater effectiveness than traditional methods.