Because of their anonymity and privacy, chatbots are increasingly being used for mobile health interventions on delicate and stigmatised areas like mental health. Due to higher levels of stigma, discrimination, and social isolation, sexual and gender minorities among youth (ages 16 to 24) are more likely to have HIV and other STIs and are more likely to have poor mental health. This anonymity gives them a sense of acceptance. This study assesses Tabatha-usability YYC's as a pilot chatbot navigator designed to connect these young people with mental health resources. The final design of Tabatha-YYC was tested by users (n=20) using a think-aloud protocol, semi-structured interviews, and a brief post-exposure survey that included the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale.
Participants thought the chatbot worked well as a navigator for mental health. The study offers significant design methodology considerations and significant insights into chatbot design preferences of youth seeking mental health resources who are at risk for STIs.
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