Perception and Acceptance of Medical Chatbot Among Undergraduates in Ekiti State University, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions and acceptance of medical chatbots among undergraduate students at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A medical chatbot is an artificially intelligent conversational agent that simulates human-like communication, catering to user inquiries and generating logical responses. These chatbots leverage natural language processing and machine learning to engage in dynamic interactions, retrieve relevant information, and adapt to new data. This research investigates two primary aspects: the perception of undergraduate students towards the use of medical chatbots and the level of acceptance of these chatbots among the same demographic. The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, involving a sample size of 300 undergraduate students, determined using Taro Yamane's method. The data collection process includes a semi-structured questionnaire, validated by experts in Tests and Measurement and Public Health. The collected data are analyzed using SPSS version 28. The findings reveal an equitable gender distribution among participants, with a slightly higher representation of females. Additionally, a substantial proportion of respondents fall within the 18-25 age bracket, with a significant presence of undergraduates below 18 years old. The study indicates positive perceptions of medical chatbots among undergraduate students, suggesting a favorable view towards their adoption. While the majority of participants exhibit acceptance of medical chatbots, there is skepticism about the precision and reliability of healthcare suggestions provided by these platforms. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the positive perceptions and acceptance of medical chatbots among undergraduate students in Ekiti State University. The findings suggest a potential for integrating this technology into healthcare, education, and research endeavors, while acknowledging the need for further investigation into the underlying factors influencing these perceptions. As the healthcare landscape evolves, chatbots can potentially offer valuable contributions to enhancing health services, especially in scenarios where in-person visits are unnecessary. However, continuous research is essential to ensure their accuracy, trustworthiness, and effectiveness across diverse demographic groups