This commentary explores the transformative role of digital and AI-mediated technologies in health communication. As healthcare systems across the globe adapt to the accelerated pace of technological change, digital health communication has become central to patient engagement, medical education, public health outreach, and clinical decision-making. This article provides an extensive review and critical perspective on the key dimensions of digital and AI-mediated health communication, including its historical development, current applications, ethical considerations, disparities in access, and future trajectories. Grounded in current academic literature and practical case studies, this commentary highlights the importance of implementing AI tools in healthcare environments that are equitable, transparent, and human-centred.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into women’s health communication represents a pivotal development in the digital health landscape. With the persistent gender gap in both access to care and health information, AI offers transformative potential, empowering women through personalized guidance, timely risk assessments, and bridging healthcare delivery inequalities. As mobile devices, AI chatbots, and data-driven interventions proliferate, it is crucial to critically examine how AI can revolutionize the communication of women’s health issues, engaging stakeholders ranging from patients and healthcare professionals to caregivers and policymakers.
Healthcare systems worldwide are experiencing rapid digitization, making digital and AI-mediated health communication a core component of modern health infrastructure. According to Weingott & Parkinson (2025) in the healthcare context, communication is not merely the transfer of information, but also a mechanism for behavioural influence, clinical coordination, patient empowerment, and equity-driven public health strategies.
Beyond its technological promise, the integration of AI into women’s health communication highlights wider social, cultural, and ethical dimensions. Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, often encounter systemic barriers such as limited access to healthcare providers, lack of culturally appropriate health information, and persistent stigmas around reproductive or mental health(Brandao et al., 2024) . AI-driven platforms can serve as vital intermediaries by delivering information in local languages, simplifying complex medical concepts, and providing discreet channels for discussing sensitive topics. For example, mobile health applications and chatbots enable women to ask questions anonymously, overcoming barriers such as embarrassment or fear of judgment, thereby creating more inclusive spaces for dialogue (Rashid & Kausik, 2024).
Yun & Zhang (2025) mentioned that AI adoption aligns with global health priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). By enabling earlier detection of maternal complications, promoting reproductive health literacy, and providing round-the-clock access to guidance, AI strengthens health systems while empowering women to make informed decisions. Importantly, this transition also reflects a paradigm shift in health communication from one-way dissemination of information through mass campaigns to interactive, personalized, and user-driven models of engagement.
Scholars also emphasize that AI is not merely a substitute for traditional health communication but a complement that can extend the reach and efficiency of existing services. Sezgin (2023) discussed that community health workers, for instance, may use AI-enabled decision-support tools to provide better advice to women in rural regions, while healthcare professionals in urban centres can rely on AI for more precise risk stratification and patient follow-up. This layered integration positions AI as both a technological and communicative partner in advancing women’s health outcomes.
Finally, the growing role of AI underscores the need for critical inquiry into its ethical, cultural, and infrastructural implications. While it holds the potential to democratize access, there is also the risk of deepening digital divides if technological solutions remain concentrated in resource-rich contexts. Thus, an exploration of AI in women’s health communication must simultaneously celebrate its innovations and interrogate its challenges, ensuring that progress is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable (Stroud et al., 2025).
The literature on AI in women’s health communication has expanded rapidly over the past decade, reflecting the global shift toward digital health technologies. Scholars have explored how AI-driven platforms such as chatbots, mobile health applications, and diagnostic tools enhance reproductive health literacy, maternal care, and mental well-being. This review synthesizes existing findings across key domains like AI-driven communication channels, personalization and stigma-free environments, research inclusivity, and clinical applications, while also highlighting ethical and equity concerns that remain underexplored.
Rapid advancements in AI have catalyzed new communication channels, primarily through chatbots, conversational agents, and mobile health (mHealth) applications. Systematic reviews reveal positive impacts of AI-driven chatbots, especially in areas like breast cancer education, reproductive health, mental health, and chronic disease self-management for women. For example, interventions for eating disorders and prenatal education delivered by AI platforms show improved self-care, reduced anxiety, and greater user engagement(Kim, 2024).
Aggarwal et al. (2023) explained that technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) enable the tailoring of health information, the segmentation of populations by demographics and health status, and the real-time adaptation of messaging strategies. Generative AI models provide supportive, stigma-free environments, enabling women to seek help in areas like fertility, menopause, and intimate partner violence without fear of judgment. Notably, the literature highlights the need for culturally sensitive and privacy-preserving solutions, especially for sensitive topics like HIV, contraception, and mental healthAI also reduces disparities in research by augmenting female representation in clinical trial datasets and developing predictive models for conditions often under-studied in women, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Mobile apps using AI, like Caria for menopause and Euki for menstrual tracking, support women at every stage of life with personalized advice and symptom monitoring (Tang et al., 2025). Recent studies indicate that AI-enabled wearable devices and mobile platforms are increasingly applied in maternal health communication. These technologies monitor vital signs, predict risks such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, and deliver timely alerts to both patients and healthcare providers (Sethi & Kumar, 2022).
Mapari et al. (2024) argued AI interventions improve not only clinical outcomes but also communication between expectant mothers and healthcare professionals by offering continuous, accessible guidance. AI-based diagnostic tools and chatbots have been incorporated into awareness campaigns on breast and cervical cancers. By simplifying medical jargon, offering reminders for screening, and providing tailored information about preventive measures, these platforms enhance women’s understanding and encourage proactive participation in screening programs. Studies further suggest that conversational AI improves the willingness of women to disclose personal concerns in digital spaces, thereby supporting early detection (Gupta & Gupta, 2024). Women often experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, particularly during reproductive transitions such as pregnancy and menopause. AI-driven conversational agents have been found effective in reducing stigma and providing psychoeducational support. Platforms such as Woebot and Wysa offer cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)based dialogues, contributing to improved mental health literacy and helping women manage stress in privacy and safety(Farzan et al., 2025).
Scholars emphasize that AI applications hold promise in bridging rural–urban disparities in women’s health communication. In underserved regions where professional counselling is scarce, mobile AI apps provide accessible information on reproductive health, nutrition, and family planning. However, digital literacy and infrastructural limitations remain significant challenges, highlighting the need for localized, language-sensitive AI solutions (Pahune, 2023). A recurring theme in the literature is the ethical dimension of AI in women’s health communication. Concerns include algorithmic bias against women of marginalized groups, inadequate consent protocols, and the risk of data misuse. Scholars argue for stronger regulatory frameworks and transparent algorithm design to safeguard women’s privacy while ensuring equitable access (Weiner et al., 2025).
Emerging studies highlight the potential of predictive AI models to tailor health communication to individual biological, social, and behavioural profiles. For example, AI can forecast menstrual irregularities, recommend nutritional adjustments, or signal early symptoms of osteoporosis. Jenkins et al. (2022) explained that personalized communication strategies not only improve adherence but also empower women to take proactive control of their health by making informed decisions, seeking timely care, and engaging more actively with preventive practices.
Technological transformation in health communication for women
Health communication plays a vital role in promoting awareness, shaping behaviour, and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. It ensures access to reliable and accurate information, counters misinformation, and makes health knowledge culturally and socially relevant. Effective communication not only encourages preventive practices such as vaccination, screening, and nutrition but also bridges gaps across literacy levels and communities (Malikhao, 2020).
When focused on women, health communication becomes even more significant because women face unique needs in areas such as maternal care, reproductive health, and nutrition, while also serving as primary caregivers within families. Gram et al. (2019) concluded that by empowering women with accurate and accessible information, health communication contributes not only to their individual well-being but also to the health of children and communities at large.
Historically, women’s health information was disseminated through one-way, top-down channels, including print media, health workers, and mass campaigns via radio and television. Newspapers and magazines featured general columns on maternal nutrition and reproductive health, while community health workers, such as ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi staff, distributed pamphlets and organised awareness meetings. Government and NGO-backed broadcasts promoted vaccination, family planning, and maternal care. These methods raised awareness at scale but remained standardized, non-interactive, and limited in personalization, leaving little scope for women to clarify doubts or receive context-specific guidance (Sharma et al., 2021).
In contrast, AI introduces a paradigm shift from one-way dissemination to interactive, personalized, two-way communication. Chatbots, mobile health applications, and AI-driven agents enable women to actively seek information, receive tailored responses, and track their health conditions in real time (Inkster et al., 2023). Unlike traditional campaigns, AI employs machine learning and natural language processing to customize advice by age, pregnancy stage, or lifestyle factors. For instance, pregnancy apps provide trimester-specific nutrition guidance, while mental health chatbots adapt coping strategies to user needs. Importantly, AI platforms also create safe, stigma-free spaces for discussing sensitive issues such as menstruation, fertility, or domestic violence topics that are often silenced in traditional forums. This evolution transforms women from passive recipients of information into active participants in their healthcare decisions (Adusei-Mensah et al., 2025).
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into women’s health communication offers significant opportunities to improve access, equity, and outcomes. AI enables personalized guidance by providing tailored health information such as nutrition advice during pregnancy, menstrual health tracking, and fertility awareness. It also supports early risk detection by predicting conditions like gestational diabetes, anemia, or high-risk pregnancies, thereby enabling timely interventions. Through chatbots, mobile applications, and virtual assistants, AI makes health communication accessible around the clock, particularly benefiting women in rural or underserved regions. Importantly, AI-driven platforms create safe spaces for women to discuss sensitive issues such as menstruation, reproductive health, or mental well-being, helping to break cultural taboos. Nadarzynski et al. (2024) emphasized in their study that simplifying medical information and supporting decision-making, AI empowers women to take an active role in their healthcare choices. Furthermore, localized and language-sensitive AI tools contribute to reducing health inequalities, ensuring that women across diverse social and economic backgrounds receive relevant and credible health information.
AI Chatbots and Digital Interventions in Women’s Health
These AI-driven solutions represent a shift from static information sources, such as pamphlets or one-size-fits-all awareness campaigns, toward dynamic and two-way communication systems. Majeed Zangana et al. (2025) discussed that unlike conventional outreach programs, chatbots and mobile apps allow women to ask questions in real time, receive responses tailored to their personal health conditions, and even track their progress through interactive dashboards. Such personalization enhances health literacy, reduces dependence on fragmented sources of information, and builds trust by offering guidance that feels relevant and immediate.
AI-powered chatbots and mobile apps are transforming women’s health communication by making it more interactive, personalized, and stigma-free (Wang et al., 2025). Mental health platforms like Woebot and Wysa use conversational therapy techniques to support women dealing with stress and anxiety, while apps such as Caria (menopause) and Euki (menstrual and reproductive health) provide tailored guidance with strong privacy features. Popular period-tracking tools like Maya and Clue enhance reproductive awareness, and region-specific chatbots such as SnehAI in India and AskNivi in Africa and South Asia deliver family planning and reproductive health information in local languages (Anand & Srivastava, 2025).
Beyond chatbots, AI-enabled wearables track vital signs in pregnancy to predict risks such as preeclampsia, while telemedicine platforms with AI triage, like Maven Clinic and Ada Health, ensure timely consultations and accurate symptom checking (Liu et al., 2024). AI is also increasingly applied in diagnostics, improving early detection of breast and cervical cancers, and in public health, where predictive analytics identify trends such as anemia or maternal malnutrition. Together, these interventions highlight AI’s potential to bridge healthcare gaps, improve decision-making, and empower women across diverse settings (Hou et al., 2022).
More importantly, AI reflect a paradigm shift in health communication from passive consumption of generic health advice to active engagement with tailored, technology-enabled support. By combining accessibility, personalization, and confidentiality, AI tools not only improve clinical outcomes but also address long-standing cultural barriers and inequalities in women’s health communication (Singh & Keche, 2025).
Theories related
The adoption and impact of AI in women’s health communication can also be understood through established communication and health behaviour theories. The Diffusion of Innovations theory explains why urban, educated women tend to be early adopters of apps like Clue or Caria, while rural women gradually engage with localized platforms such as SnehAI or AskNivi. From a Uses and Gratifications perspective, women actively turn to AI tools to meet needs ranging from information-seeking (nutrition and pregnancy care) to emotional support (mental health chatbots like Woebot and Wysa). The Health Belief Model highlights how perceived risks and benefits shape this adoption. For instance, women may use AI-enabled wearables to predict gestational diabetes because they believe it lowers health risks and overcomes barriers like stigma or limited clinical access. Similarly, the Technology Acceptance Model underscores how perceptions of usefulness and ease of use drive uptake, with digital literacy influencing whether AI is seen as empowering or intimidating. Finally, drawing on Agenda-Setting and Framing theories, AI platforms not only deliver information but also shape what issues women prioritize, particularly preventive practices like cancer screening, vaccination, maternal check-ups and reproductive health monitoring.
Scope of the Commentary
This commentary provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between digital technologies, AI, and women’s health communication. It synthesises academic research and practical innovations to offer insight into how emerging technologies are reshaping health interactions for women. Key themes include the evolution of digital health platforms, the role of AI in personalized communication, and the ethical, cultural, and systemic barriers affecting equitable deployment.
Cultural taboos and stigma often silence discussions around menstruation, sexual health, infertility, or mental well-being. Women may hesitate to ask sensitive questions due to fear of judgment or cultural restrictions. AI-based tools offer a degree of anonymity that encourages disclosure and engagement. Chatbots, for instance, provide a “safe space” for asking questions that might otherwise be suppressed in traditional clinical or community interactions. This opens the door for breaking myths, for example, clarifying misconceptions about contraceptive use or menstrual hygiene. In societies where talking about reproductive health remains taboo, AI can become a confidential companion, enabling women to gain knowledge without social embarrassment(Gbagbo et al., 2024). Yet, it is essential to ensure that these tools are culturally contextualised and designed in local languages; otherwise, they risk alienating the very groups they aim to serve.
AI integration has the potential to democratize access to health information; however, its effectiveness varies across different socio-demographic contexts. Urban and educated women may benefit more quickly from AI-driven health platforms, as they have better digital literacy and greater smartphone access. Conversely, rural and less educated women face barriers such as limited connectivity, a lack of technical skills, or affordability issues. Nevertheless, when implemented thoughtfully, such as through voice-based AI assistants in regional languages or simplified interfaces. AI can empower rural women to independently access vital health information without relying solely on community health workers. This empowerment reduces dependence on intermediaries, fosters autonomy in decision-making, and enhances women’s ability to advocate for their own healthcare (Meena, 2023). The commentary here must also reflect on the structural inequalities in access, emphasizing that AI’s transformative potential will only be realized if inclusivity is prioritized in design and implementation.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into women’s health communication offers significant opportunities to improve access, equity, and outcomes. AI enables personalized guidance by providing tailored health information such as nutrition advice during pregnancy, menstrual health tracking, and fertility awareness. AI supports early risk detection by predicting conditions like gestational diabetes, anemia, or high-risk pregnancies, thereby enabling timely interventions. Through chatbots, mobile applications, and virtual assistants, AI makes health communication accessible around the clock, particularly benefiting women in rural or underserved regions. Importantly, AI-driven platforms create safe spaces for women to discuss sensitive issues such as menstruation, reproductive health, or mental well-being, helping to break cultural taboos. By simplifying medical information and supporting decision-making, AI empowers women to take an active role in their healthcare choices. Furthermore, localized and language-sensitive AI tools contribute to reducing health inequalities, ensuring that women across diverse social and economic backgrounds receive relevant and credible health information.
Suggestions
Future research should critically evaluate the long-term effectiveness and cultural adaptability of AI tools in diverse women’s health contexts. Particular focus is needed on marginalized groups, including rural women and those with limited digital literacy, to prevent widening inequalities. Scholars must also investigate the integration of AI platforms into public health systems, ensuring sustainability and scalability. Ethical priorities such as privacy, algorithmic transparency, and bias mitigation require systematic study. Interdisciplinary collaborations linking communication, health sciences, and technology policy can generate inclusive frameworks. Such directions will ensure AI enhances equity and trust in women’s health communication.
https://doi.org/10.25259/ICAJ_20_2023
https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.54407