Digital Divide and Access: Addressing Disparities in Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Health Information for Nigerian Rural Communities

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has globally been acknowledged to be a force to reckon with in improving diverse sectors of human endeavours. AI, being the most prominent example of digital technology, is acclaimed to have the ability to revolutionize communication and healthcare industries by providing information and healthcare services even to underserved communities. AI has thrown societies into an era where access to information, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, holds significant implications for social, economic, and political empowerment. AI in medical practice is still in the infancy stage in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The little adoption of AI in the Nigerian healthcare sector is majorly concentrated in urban communities. Rural Nigerians face significant challenges in accessing vital health information, particularly with the emergence of AI technologies causing disparities in AI health information access exacerbated by the digital divide. Despite the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare, rural communities are hindered by limited internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic constraints, and disparities in digital literacy. The paper therefore employed a qualitative research approach using systematic reviews to explore the multifaceted barriers preventing rural Nigerians from accessing AI-based health information and examines the implications of these disparities on healthcare outcomes and patient empowerment. Drawing upon existing literature and data, the paper proposes strategies to address the digital gap and promote equitable access to AI-driven healthcare information dissemination ensuring that rural populations are not left behind in the era of digital health innovation. It concluded that addressing the disparities is sure to improve healthcare outcomes and patient empowerment. The researchers recommended collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders in mitigating the divide and promoting equitable access to AI health information, thereby fostering a more inclusive and just society. The paper is anchored on Digital Divide Theory and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).