Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students towards Artificial Intelligence: A Study of University of Ilorin (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare, by enhancing administration, diagnostics, treatment planning, medical education, and more. However, its adoption in developing countries like Nigeria is limited. This study investigates the knowledge and attitude of medical students at the University of Ilorin towards AI in medicine. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> 1. To assess the knowledge level of artificial intelligence among medical students and doctors 2. To determine the attitude of medical students and doctors to artificial intelligence 3. To assess the perception of respondents on their willingness to apply AI in the near future. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Ilorin and its teaching hospital, involving 343 medical students. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed via social media and class representatives. The questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards AI. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> The majority (98.8%) of students had heard of AI, but only 76.4% could define it. Most (90.4%) learned about AI through media, and a small percentage (24.1%) from university lectures. Only 9.3% had received AI training. While 63% believed AI would play an important role in healthcare, 63.9% felt it would not render doctors expendable. Almost half (46.3%) felt AI would influence their specialty choice. A significant portion (87.1%) supported including AI in medical education, though 84% acknowledged it would pose new ethical challenges. Gender significantly influenced knowledge of AI (p &lt; 0.05), but level of training did not. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Despite limited formal education on AI, medical students at the University of Ilorin exhibit a positive attitude towards its integration into healthcare and education. There is a strong interest in learning more about AI, highlighting the need for its inclusion in the medical curriculum to prepare future doctors for technological advancements in healthcare. </sec>