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Using Chatbots for Mental Health Support Among University Students in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Durjoy Saha
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Tithi Rani Sarker
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Md.jabir Ahmed Fahim
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Amrin Hoque Tanha
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Background: From 2014 to 2024, chatbot use for student mental health in Bangladesh rose, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression among university students have worsened due to academic pressure and concerns about their future careers. Students hesitate to share their problems due to fear of judgment. This article aims to examine chatbot use for mental health support among Bangladeshi students, focusing on key issues addressed, user satisfaction and integration into university services. Methods: A longitudinal dataset covering the period 2000 to 2024 was built from secondary data sources. Number of chatbot users, user satisfaction rate, common issues addressed, and university participation rate are included in the dataset. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and correlation assessment were used to explore chatbot use for mental health support, focusing on usage patterns. Results: Chatbot use rose 170 times over ten years. User satisfaction rose to 85% from 60%, with the highest rates recorded after AI integration in 2020. Over time, the issues reported by students transitioned from common concerns of stress and anxiety to more complex challenges, including career anxiety and a diverse array of other mental health problems. University participation grew 10-fold, from 5% to 50%, as chatbot access spread. Key developments included the expansion of university access, digital integration, and national mental health initiatives that contributed to usage and satisfaction. Conclusion: Chatbots offer Bangladeshi university students a private, all time accessible way to share mental health concerns without fear of criticism, potentially reducing isolation and suicide risk. To maximize these benefits, further efforts are crucial to improve chatbot integration and user trust.

Keywords

Chatbots Mental Health University Students User Satisfaction Rate

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication: Conference 
  • Conference Name: 1st National BioMed Health ResearchCon (NBHRC) 2025
  • Date of Conference: 28/08/2025 - 28/08/2025
  • Venue: Dr.milon Auditorium, Dhaka Medical College
  • Organizer: Dhaka Medical College Research & Academic Club
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