Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, cilt.14, ss.1-12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Background: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used for health information seeking. However, little is known about how the adoption of generative AI is socially patterned, particularly in pediatric rehabilitation contexts. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of ChatGPT use among parents of children with speech and language disorders (SLDs) in Türkiye and to explore its association with engagement in formal speech and language therapy services. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 204 parents of children with SLDs recruited through online parent networks between October and November 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, therapy attendance frequency, and ChatGPT use for SLD-related information. Bivariate associations were analyzed using chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of ChatGPT use. Results: Overall, 28.4% of participants reported using ChatGPT to seek information related to their child’s speech or language disorder. ChatGPT use was significantly associated with gender, age group, and educational level. In multivariable analyses, male gender (aOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.36–7.02) and postgraduate education (aOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 1.56–17.27) were independently associated with higher odds of ChatGPT use, while undergraduate education did not reach statistical significance (aOR = 1.55; 95% CI: 0.70–3.42; p = 0.277). Attending therapy several times per year (aOR = 4.01; 95% CI: 1.08–14.92) and monthly or weekly (aOR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.01–7.48) were both associated with higher odds of ChatGPT use relative to never attending therapy. Conclusion: Generative AI use among parents of children with SLDs appears relatively common but socially stratified. Educational attainment, gender, and engagement with formal therapy services significantly influence AI adoption. Without equity-oriented strategies and digital health literacy initiatives, the diffusion of generative AI tools may reinforce existing informational disparities in pediatric rehabilitation.