Use of generative AI for health among urban youth in Pakistan: A mixed-methods study

Ahsan Mashhood, Aamna Ahmed, Inaya Khan, Maryam Hashim and Sara Baloch

PLOS Digital Health, 2026, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Generative AI (GAI) tools are increasingly used informally for health, yet evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. This study generates early evidence on such health systems from the fifth most populous country: Pakistan. We used a youth-led convergent mixed-methods design among digitally connected urban youth in Pakistan (survey N = 1240, 20 interviews). The primary outcome was any GAI use for health. We fitted multivariable logistic regression models and conducted reflexive thematic analysis. Overall, 69.0% of participants reported using GAI for health. Higher odds of use were observed among women (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.17–2.11], p = 0.003) and youth reporting any mental or physical condition (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.34–2.48], p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pdig00:0001353

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0001353

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