AI chatbots as 'pocket doctors': intimate health support for young women in Lebanon.

backgroundIn conservative societies such as Lebanon and the broader Middle East and North Africa region, gynecological and intimate health issues are heavily stigmatized, limiting young women's access to care due to fear of judgment, privacy concerns, and cultural taboos. These barriers often result in delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, have emerged as digital tools offering anonymity, reduced embarrassment, and accessibility, potentially serving as discreet "pocket doctors" for sensitive health concerns. However, little is known about young women's perceptions and use of artificial intelligence for intimate health topics in such contexts.

methodsA cross-sectional quantitative study surveyed 525 female university students in Lebanon (ages 18-35) to assess their use, perceptions, drivers, and barriers related to artificial intelligence chatbots for intimate and general health concerns.

resultsThe study included 525 young Lebanese women with a mean age of 22.44 ± 3.74 years. Regarding AI chatbot use, the most common intimate health topics included menstrual problems (43.8%) and polycystic ovary syndrome (33.3%), while physical fitness (59.8%) and mental health (48.8%) were the predominant general health topics. The primary barriers to chatbot use were concerns about accuracy (85.5%) and lack of physical examination (85.3%), while key motivators included saving time (71.0%) and avoiding embarrassment (43.4%). Younger women were more likely to use artificial intelligence tools to avoid judgment and cost. Cluster analysis revealed distinct user profiles, including a super-user group with intensive engagement across sensitive health domains.

conclusionLarge language models serve as accessible, non-judgmental digital confidants for young Lebanese women's intimate health concerns, addressing socio-cultural stigma and healthcare system limitations. While promising, they should complement, not replace, professional care due to limitations in clinical reasoning, physical examination, and privacy concerns. Integrating artificial intelligence chatbots thoughtfully may enhance health information access and reduce barriers in stigmatized settings.