Awareness of Artificial Intelligence and the potential of digital technologies in bridging gaps in mental health information and psychosocial support among deaf adolescents: A mixed methods study
1
Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
2
Drosophila Research and Training Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria
3
AFAY Health Initiative, Ibadan, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A823
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Most mental health illnesses begin during adolescence, and low awareness has been associated with poor help-seeking behaviours.¹,² Young people with disabilities, particularly deaf adolescents, face several barriers in accessing mental health information and psychosocial support, including stigma, communication barriers, inaccessible services, limited healthcare workers and lack of information.³–⁶ This study explored the potential of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in bridging the gaps in mental health information and psychosocial support among deaf adolescents in Ibadan.⁷
METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study in Ibadan Metropolis. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire among 162 deaf adolescents and young people without other comorbidities, aged 10–24, who understood sign language. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 49 participants (39 students and 10 Adult stakeholders) across five schools for deaf adolescents. The qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using ATLAS.TI and the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 27 (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Majority of participants were male (56.2%); 69.1% were not aware of the term "mental health". Although 56.4% of respondents had a smartphone, many were not aware of artificial intelligence (66.7%). The few participants who were aware of it used it solely for learning purposes. Majority of participants held a positive attitude toward the use of digital solutions to address mental illness and were willing to learn to use digital and AI interventions tailored towards mental health information and psychosocial support. “Any form of a platform can help me if it eases the life for the Deaf.” – Boy, IDI Preferred features include chatbots, interactive games and videos.
CONCLUSIONS:
Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, hold immense potential to bridge gaps in access to mental health information and psychosocial support for deaf adolescents and young people through disability-inclusive, tailored digital mental health solutions³,⁶–⁸
Most mental health illnesses begin during adolescence, and low awareness has been associated with poor help-seeking behaviours.¹,² Young people with disabilities, particularly deaf adolescents, face several barriers in accessing mental health information and psychosocial support, including stigma, communication barriers, inaccessible services, limited healthcare workers and lack of information.³–⁶ This study explored the potential of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in bridging the gaps in mental health information and psychosocial support among deaf adolescents in Ibadan.⁷
METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study in Ibadan Metropolis. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire among 162 deaf adolescents and young people without other comorbidities, aged 10–24, who understood sign language. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 49 participants (39 students and 10 Adult stakeholders) across five schools for deaf adolescents. The qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using ATLAS.TI and the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 27 (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Majority of participants were male (56.2%); 69.1% were not aware of the term "mental health". Although 56.4% of respondents had a smartphone, many were not aware of artificial intelligence (66.7%). The few participants who were aware of it used it solely for learning purposes. Majority of participants held a positive attitude toward the use of digital solutions to address mental illness and were willing to learn to use digital and AI interventions tailored towards mental health information and psychosocial support. “Any form of a platform can help me if it eases the life for the Deaf.” – Boy, IDI Preferred features include chatbots, interactive games and videos.
CONCLUSIONS:
Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, hold immense potential to bridge gaps in access to mental health information and psychosocial support for deaf adolescents and young people through disability-inclusive, tailored digital mental health solutions³,⁶–⁸
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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