Exploring the use of artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Artificial intelligence chatbots are increasingly used in mental health support. However, there is limited information regarding the adoption of chatbots for mental health support in Lebanon due to cultural stigma and financial constraints. The study aimed to examine the use of these chatbots for mental health support among Lebanese adults and identify the psychological and sociodemographic factors associated with their use. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, where 951 Lebanese adult participants were recruited between September and October 2025. Participants reported their use of artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support, perceived drivers and barriers, artificial intelligence trust and attitudes, and psychological measures including PHQ-4, WHO-5, and PC-PTSD-5. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with chatbot use. Results 62.8% of participants reported using artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support. Users were more frequently females, of younger age, and more likely to report mental health problems. They also reported higher trust in artificial intelligence, greater perceived usefulness, and stronger endorsement of chatbots as tools that save time, save money, reduce judgment, and prevent embarrassment. In multivariable analysis, chatbot use was independently associated with female sex (aOR = 1.421, 95% CI 1.007–2.006, p = 0.045), younger age (aOR = 0.972 per year, 95% CI 0.945–1.000, p = 0.046), higher artificial intelligence trustworthiness (aOR = 1.467, 95% CI 1.356–1.588, p < 0.001), and moderate (aOR = 1.981, p = 0.010) or severe (aOR = 2.240, p = 0.007) psychological distress. Users commonly consulted chatbots for anxiety, low mood, burnout, emotional pain, sleep problems, and panic symptoms. Conclusion Artificial intelligence chatbots are commonly used as informal psychological support tools among Lebanese adults, particularly among younger ones, women, and those with higher distress. Future studies should evaluate the clinical safety and accuracy of chatbot-generated mental health advice.