A Study on the Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Artificial Intelligence among Medical, Dental, and Nursing Students from Sangli (Maharashtra), India
TL;DR
Healthcare students had unsatisfactory awareness of AI, and their overall attitude was negative, highlighting an urgent need for an integrated AI curriculum tailored to their actual needs.
Abstract
Objective: To assess awareness and attitudes regarding Artificial Intelligence among undergraduate medical, dental, and nursing students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sangli, Maharashtra, India during October 2024 to March 2025. A total of 1037 participants (379 Medical, 269 Dental, 389 Nursing) were recruited using cluster random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire.Results: The mean awareness score (range 0-18) and attitude score (range 0-12) were 7.38 (± 4.63) and 3.03 (± 2.12), respectively. The awareness score was highest among medical students and lowest among nursing students, whereas the attitude score showed the opposite trend. Urban residents and exposure to informative AI content were associated with awareness. Participants agreed that AI is an essential tool for education, but were apprehensive about job loss, data privacy, and increased surveillance. Over two-thirds (68%) used AI for academic tasks.Conclusion: Healthcare students had unsatisfactory awareness of AI, and their overall attitude was negative. These findings highlight an urgent need for an integrated AI curriculum tailored to their actual needs.