LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH EDUCATION: ADVANCING HEALTH LITERACY AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The paper is based on a critical review of existing literature on health literacy, digital health, and AI-enabled communication rather than original empirical research. It conceptualized health literacy as extending beyond basic understanding to the ability to critically interpret and apply health information. Nigeria continues to face persistently low health literacy, limiting informed decision-making on reproductive health, immunization, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases. These challenges are compounded by weak health communication systems, shortages of trained health educators, and cultural and religious beliefs that may conflict with biomedical explanations of illness. This position paper argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI), when appropriately adapted to the Nigerian context, offers a practical opportunity to improve personalized health education, strengthen health literacy, and promote sustained behaviour change. Unlike conventional health education approaches that rely on one-way information delivery, AI enables continuous engagement through personalized, interactive communication. Key AI applications include multilingual health messaging in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English, literacy-appropriate content, treatment adherence support, risk prediction for chronic diseases, and tailored reminders for antenatal care, immunization, and long-term disease management. The paper identified integration opportunities within Nigeria’s existing health systems, including primary healthcare services, Community Health Extension Workers, DHIS2, and the National Health Insurance Authority. Major implementation challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, privacy and security concerns, limited funding and technical expertise, and the absence of a comprehensive national AI policy. The paper recommended developing supportive policies, investing in digital infrastructure, strengthening digital literacy and local research capacity, and implementing robust ethical safeguards. With coordinated action, AI can significantly enhance health literacy and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.