为非洲设计更适配的AI心理聊天机器人，解决本土化缺失问题
AI-Powered Mental Health Chatbots in Africa: A Systematic Review and Culturally Adaptive Framework
- 基于52项研究构建文化适应性框架，融合本地价值观与多语言设计
- 实证显示聊天机器人可降低焦虑抑郁症状，但多数仍沿用西方模式
- 适合政策制定者、医疗科技开发者及跨文化心理健康研究者参考
非洲心理健康问题因基础设施不足、社会污名和专业人员短缺而长期被忽视。人工智能驱动的聊天机器人作为低成本、易获取的心理支持工具，在全球兴起。本文系统回顾了2017至2025年间发表的52项实证研究，批判性分析其在非洲语境下的文化、语言与基础设施相关性。结果表明，AI聊天机器人具备提升可及性、缓解焦虑与抑郁症状、扩展心理社会支持的潜力，但普遍存在本土化不足的问题。多数系统仍基于西方模型和英语设计，导致本地相关性、包容性与可持续性存在显著缺口。基于此，作者提出文化适应性数字心理健康（CADMH）框架，整合非洲文化价值、多语言设计、移动端优先优化及伦理保障机制。研究揭示了将AI聊天机器人融入非洲医疗体系的机遇与障碍，为科研、实践与政策提供指导。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
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.
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