AI 中文总结
本文通过系统综述52项相关研究，分析非洲AI心理健康聊天机器人的现状，发现其存在文化适配不足问题，进而提出CADMH框架，为非洲AI心理健康工具的研究与应用提供指导。
AI 中文摘要
非洲的心理健康挑战因基础设施不足、病耻感以及专业人员长期短缺而仍未得到充分解决。人工智能（AI）驱动的聊天机器人作为低成本、可及的心理支持工具正在全球范围内兴起。本文对2017年至2025年间发表的52项实证研究进行系统综述，批判性分析它们与非洲语境在文化、语言和基础设施方面的相关性。研究结果表明，AI聊天机器人在提升可及性、减轻焦虑和抑郁症状、扩大社会心理支持方面具有潜力，但也显示出针对非洲的适应性有限。多数系统仍植根于西方模型和英语设计，在本地相关性、包容性和可持续性方面存在关键缺口。基于这些发现，作者开发了文化适应数字心理健康（CADMH）框架，该框架整合了非洲文化价值观、多语言设计、移动优先优化以及伦理保障措施。本研究强调了将AI聊天机器人融入非洲医疗保健的机遇与障碍，为研究、实践和政策提供指导。
英文摘要
Mental health challenges in Africa remain under-addressed due to inadequate infrastructure, stigma, and a chronic shortage of professionals. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots are emerging globally as low-cost, accessible tools that can offer psychological support. This paper presents a systematic review of 52 empirical studies published between 2017 and 2025, critically analysing their cultural, linguistic, and infrastructural relevance to African contexts. The findings demonstrate the potential of AI chatbots to improve accessibility, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and expand psychosocial support, yet reveal limited African-specific adaptation. Most systems remain rooted in Western models and English-language designs, leaving critical gaps in local relevance, inclusivity, and sustainability. Based on the findings, the authors develop a Culturally Adaptive Digital Mental Health (CADMH) framework that integrates African cultural values, multilingual design, mobile-first optimisation, and ethical safeguards. The study highlights opportunities and barriers for integrating AI chatbots into African healthcare, offering guidance for research, practice, and policy.
CommentsIST-Africa 2026, http://www.ist-africa.org/Conference2026/default.asp
