Caregiver Perceptions and Acceptability of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Pilot Survey in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies offer innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in mental health service delivery, including accessibility, stigma, and the shortage of trained professionals. Aims: To understand caregiver’s perception and acceptability of use of Artificial Intelligence in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Study Design:  Cross-sectional pilot survey. Place and Duration of Study: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Center, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, between August and September, 2025. Methodology: 60 caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions at the center were surveyed. A 6-item questionnaire was used to measure perception and acceptability. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographic data. Perception and acceptability scores were dichotomized (high vs. low). Associations with sociodemographic variables were examined using Chi-square and One-Way ANOVA. Internal consistency of the perception scale was tested using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Most caregivers were female (90.0%) and mothers (83.3%). Awareness of AI was reported by 36.7% of respondents. Overall, 55.0% demonstrated high perception and 56.7% high acceptability of AI in child mental health care. Perception differed significantly by age group (F (3, 56) = 3.27, p = 0.008), while acceptability differed by occupation (F (4, 55) = 2.53, p = 0.040). No differences were found by education. The six-item perception and acceptability scale demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.70). Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted education of caregivers and broader validation studies to support the integration of AI in child mental health care.