Using artificial intelligence to address sexually transmitted infections during and after travel of young travellers

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ChatGPT could provide answers to participants' questions about their sexual health risks during and after the trip, as well as to examine whether the information provided was reliable. Design/methodology/approach The study included 21 young travellers by interacting with scripts to related questions and cases for health and travelling through the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT (3.5). Findings The findings of the research indicate that ChatGPT can help a traveller by giving them information to prevent, recognise and address risks related to their sexual health. An indicative conclusion is the information provided by ChatGPT was adequate and correct as in the case of being provided by a health professional. In addition to the accuracy of the information provided, it shared the concerns expressed by the participants and guided them to find support, either from their doctor or from their family and friends. In addition, an important finding of the research is the digital empathy that ChatGPT demonstrated to the research participants. In particular, based on the way it responded to questions about participants' feelings, it appeared to use specific phrases that indicated empathy. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between ChatGPT and travellers to their sexual health. The research focuses on strategies to prevent and manage a traveller’s potential STI infection, either during or after the trip, using the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT.