Artificial Intelligence and Health Literacy: Educating Marginalized Communities for Equitable Outcomes

Аннотация

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes healthcare delivery, it is vital to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing and utilizing AI-powered health tools. Health literacy, defined as the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information, plays a crucial role in ensuring that AI technologies benefit all segments of society. However, many marginalized groups, including low-income, rural, and racially diverse populations, face significant barriers to health literacy, which can hinder their ability to engage with AI-driven healthcare innovations. These barriers include limited access to digital technologies, language and cultural differences, and a lack of trust in technological systems. To achieve equitable outcomes, AI developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers must prioritize health literacy education as a cornerstone of AI adoption. This includes creating culturally appropriate, accessible, and understandable AI tools that empower individuals from underserved communities to navigate their health and make informed decisions. Educational initiatives aimed at improving health literacy should focus on fostering critical thinking and digital literacy, enabling individuals to assess the quality of AI-driven healthcare tools and understand how their personal data is used. Additionally, strategies such as community-based outreach, tailored training programs, and inclusive AI design can help bridge the digital divide and build trust in AI systems. By promoting health literacy in marginalized communities, AI can serve as a tool for reducing healthcare disparities and achieving more equitable health outcomes. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can benefit from AI in healthcare is not only an ethical obligation but also essential for realizing the full potential of AI in improving global public health.