Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups

Khadija Baffa; Elisavet Andrikopoulou

doi:10.3233/SHTI260245

Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups

Khadija Baffa
, Elisavet Andrikopoulou^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

24 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This study investigates how individuals across different age groups use and perceive AI chatbots for health and fitness management. A quantitative survey (n = 180) examined usage frequency, perceived trust, relevance and satisfaction among users. Findings reveal that younger users, especially females aged 18-27, are the most frequent adopters, primarily engaging with chatbots for mental health, symptom checking and general wellbeing. Trust and behavioural intention were strongly correlated with perceived relevance and usefulness, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). However, concerns about accuracy, privacy and empathy persist, particularly among older users. The study concludes that while AI chatbots are emerging as valuable health management tools, their design must prioritise ethical transparency, contextual accuracy and emotional sensitivity to foster sustained adoption and trust.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Opening the Personal Gate between Technology and Health Care
Subtitle of host publication	Proceedings of MIE 2026
Publisher	IOS Press
Pages	620-624
Number of pages	5
ISBN (Electronic)	9781643686615
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI260245
Publication status	Published - 21 May 2026
Event	Medical Informatics Europe 2026: Opening the Personal Gate between Technology and Health Care - Italy, Genoa Duration: 25 May 2026 → 28 May 2026 https://mie2026.efmi.org/

Publication series

Name	Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume	336
ISSN (Print)	0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)	1879-8365

Conference

Conference	Medical Informatics Europe 2026
Abbreviated title	MIE2026
City	Genoa
Period	25/05/26 → 28/05/26
Internet address	https://mie2026.efmi.org/

Keywords

AI chatbots
health management
technology adoption
trust

Access to Document

10.3233/SHTI260245

Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI ChatbotsFinal published version, 272 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

Medical Informatics Europe 2026
Andrikopoulou, E. (Member of programme committee) & Andrikopoulou, E. (Presented paper)
20 Sept 2025 → 28 May 2026
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference

Cite this

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title = "Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups",

abstract = "This study investigates how individuals across different age groups use and perceive AI chatbots for health and fitness management. A quantitative survey (n = 180) examined usage frequency, perceived trust, relevance and satisfaction among users. Findings reveal that younger users, especially females aged 18-27, are the most frequent adopters, primarily engaging with chatbots for mental health, symptom checking and general wellbeing. Trust and behavioural intention were strongly correlated with perceived relevance and usefulness, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). However, concerns about accuracy, privacy and empathy persist, particularly among older users. The study concludes that while AI chatbots are emerging as valuable health management tools, their design must prioritise ethical transparency, contextual accuracy and emotional sensitivity to foster sustained adoption and trust.",

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note = "Medical Informatics Europe 2026 : Opening the Personal Gate between Technology and Health Care, MIE2026 ; Conference date: 25-05-2026 Through 28-05-2026",

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Baffa, K & Andrikopoulou, E 2026, Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups. in Opening the Personal Gate between Technology and Health Care: Proceedings of MIE 2026. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol. 336, IOS Press, pp. 620-624, Medical Informatics Europe 2026, Genoa, 25/05/26. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI260245

Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups. / Baffa, Khadija; Andrikopoulou, Elisavet.
Opening the Personal Gate between Technology and Health Care: Proceedings of MIE 2026. IOS Press, 2026. p. 620-624 (Studies in Health Technology and Informatics; Vol. 336).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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AB - This study investigates how individuals across different age groups use and perceive AI chatbots for health and fitness management. A quantitative survey (n = 180) examined usage frequency, perceived trust, relevance and satisfaction among users. Findings reveal that younger users, especially females aged 18-27, are the most frequent adopters, primarily engaging with chatbots for mental health, symptom checking and general wellbeing. Trust and behavioural intention were strongly correlated with perceived relevance and usefulness, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). However, concerns about accuracy, privacy and empathy persist, particularly among older users. The study concludes that while AI chatbots are emerging as valuable health management tools, their design must prioritise ethical transparency, contextual accuracy and emotional sensitivity to foster sustained adoption and trust.

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Exploring User Trust and Adoption of AI Chatbots for Health and Fitness Management Across Age Groups

Abstract

Publication series

Conference

Keywords

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Activities

Medical Informatics Europe 2026

Cite this