Abstract
Introduction: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is an inevitable global trend. Healthcare students’ perceptions and attitudes are critical in shaping future AI adoption and informing educational reform. This study aimed to examine students’ perceptions and attitudes towards AI in healthcare and to assess the relationship between these constructs.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 967 healthcare students from December 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing perceptions and attitudes towards AI. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, while Pearson’s correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to examine associations (p < .05).
Results: Participants demonstrated moderate perceptions (3.43 ± .64) and attitudes (3.45 ± .64) towards AI. Most students recognised AI’s potential in preventive health (65.0%), patient documentation (65.4%), and population health surveillance (54.5%). Additionally, 64.9% of participants reported that AI makes medicine more engaging, and over 61% believed it enhances healthcare delivery and supports career development. A strong positive correlation was observed between perceptions and attitudes (r=.724; p<.001). In the regression analysis, perception remained a strong independent predictor of attitude (β = .718, p < .001) after adjustment.
Conclusion: Healthcare students exhibited moderate readiness for AI adoption, with perceptions strongly influencing attitudes. These findings underscore the importance of integrating AI into healthcare curricula, with emphasis on practical exposure and discipline-specific training. Future research should incorporate perspectives from educators, and healthcare organisations to provide a more comprehensive understanding.