Iranian Nursing Students’ Perspectives, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Artificial Intelligence (2024 - 2025)

Abstract

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the healthcare sector has transformed various aspects of clinical service delivery, education, and patient management. Investigating the levels of knowledge, attitudes, practice, and perceived barriers regarding AI can provide valuable guidance for policymaking. Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate Iranian nursing students’ perspectives, knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding AI in 2024 - 2025. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 160 nursing students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences in Iran during the 2024 - 2025 academic year. Sampling was carried out using a simple random method. Data were collected through a multi-part questionnaire encompassing demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, practice, benefits, and concerns related to AI. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, the independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean scores for knowledge (17.62 ± 4.49) and attitudes (30.38 ± 4.96) were at a moderate level. In contrast, the mean scores for practice (25.11 ± 8.57) and benefits (17.47 ± 2.75) were at a low level, while the mean score for concerns (8.27 ± 1.74) was at a moderate level. From the students’ perspective, the most significant benefits of AI encompassed increased speed of service delivery (93.1%), reduction of medical errors (92.5%), and access to vast patient databases (92.5%). Concerns were primarily related to the disclosure of confidential information (80.6%), lack of empathy (71.9%), and the diminished role of medical team members (66.9%). Conclusions: Although the use of AI tools is common among students, their knowledge and attitudes remain moderate, with limited actual practices. Enhancing AI literacy and fostering a positive yet critical perspective can enhance students’ readiness to safely and effectively apply this technology in nursing.