KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING STUDENTS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare, nursing education, clinical decision-making, patient monitoring, documentation, and research. Nursing students require adequate knowledge and positive attitudes to use AI safely, ethically, and effectively in future practice.

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate nursing students regarding artificial intelligence.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used among 218 undergraduate nursing students at the College of Nursing, Superior University, Lahore. Participants were selected from an accessible population of 500 students using a probability sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes regarding AI. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated, while inferential tests were used to examine associations. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results: Most participants (72.0%) reported previous exposure to AI. Regarding knowledge, 47.2% demonstrated moderate knowledge, 26.1% demonstrated good knowledge, and 26.6% demonstrated poor knowledge. More than half of the participants (54.1%) had a positive attitude toward AI, while 28.0% had a neutral and 17.9% had a negative attitude. Previous AI exposure, training, and use were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated predominantly moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward AI. Structured AI education and training are recommended to strengthen AI literacy, ethical understanding, critical evaluation, and responsible use among future nurses.