The roles of AI in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy among adolescents: A critical review of the Nigerian situation

Abstract

Unplanned pregnancies among adolescents in Nigeria present a significant public health challenge, with far-reaching consequences for health, education, and socioeconomic development. These pregnancies are driven by a complex interplay of factors, including limited access to comprehensive sexual education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural stigmas, and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing this issue requires innovative and scalable solutions that overcome traditional barriers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering opportunities to enhance education, access to services, and targeted interventions.This review explores the potential applications of AI in preventing unplanned pregnancies among Nigerian adolescents. It highlights AI-driven tools such as chatbots for personalized health education, predictive analytics for identifying at-risk populations, and mobile health platforms for improving access to contraceptive information and services. Case studies from Nigeria and other countries illustrate the effectiveness of these interventions while emphasizing lessons learned from pilot programs.The study recommends a comprehensive approach to AI implementation, including establishing ethical guidelines, capacity building for healthcare providers, and equity-focused deployment strategies to ensure accessibility for marginalized populations. By leveraging AI, Nigeria can address critical gaps in adolescent reproductive health, reduce unplanned pregnancies, and improve health outcomes, contributing to broader developmental goals.