Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Health: Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey among Medical & Allied Health Science Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

AI in Healthcare: KAP Survey among Health Science Students in KP

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and medical education; however, its adoption in developing countries is still relatively limited. Objective: This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical and allied health sciences students in KP, Pakistan, regarding the application of AI in healthcare. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Settings: Medical and Allied Health Sciences colleges in KP, Pakistan. Duration: August 1, 2023, and October 5, 2023. Methods: An online survey, with 577 medical and allied health sciences students from Khyber Medical University, KP, Pakistan. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p = 0.05. Results: Approximately, 55.5% of participants had no awareness of AI. Knowledge levels differed considerably (mean score 57%, good 22.2%, poor 20.8%) and were significantly associated with gender, residence, age, experience, and educational level. Students’ attitudes toward AI were mainly poor (30.2%) or moderate (44.7%). Although formal AI training was limited (61.7%). AI practice among KP students differed significantly by gender, college status, years of study, and educational status (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that awareness and knowledge of AI among medical and allied health sciences students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, remain limited, with significant variations across demographic and educational factors. Despite inadequate formal training and generally moderate-to-poor attitudes toward AI, students demonstrated strong interest in learning about AI and integrating it into healthcare practice. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating structured AI education and training into medical curricula to better prepare future healthcare professionals for an increasingly technology-driven healthcare system.