Medical students’ beliefs, behaviors, and ease with artificial intelligence in education: A study in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being utilized in education to enhance learning experiences through proactive and reactive engagements. This study’s aim was to measure medical students’ perceptions and self-efficacy regarding the use of AI in their educational journeys.


MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students in a College of Medicine in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected by sharing an online survey link on QuestionPro through an instant messaging app. The survey consisted of general questions (such as age and gender), and the AI Self-Efficacy Scale (AISE) that assesses four distinct domains. Data were categorized and analyzed using SPSS version 29. An independent sample
t
-test was used to compare the means of the domains of each group.



RESULTS:

A total of 525 out of 1198 undergraduate medical students participated in this study. More than half of the participants (61%) reported familiarity with AI, and 66% of them had used ChatGPT. About 45-60% participants responded “Agree” or “Strongly agree” that they can happily, smoothly, and easily interact with AI. Pre-clinical students had significantly higher mean score for anthropomorphic domain than clinical medical students (
P
= 0.006). Males had significantly higher mean scores for comfort with AI and higher technological skills domains compared to females (
P
< 0.05). Students who had previous experience using AI scored significantly higher in perceived assistance, comfort with AI, and technological skills domains (
P
< 0.001). Students rating having themselves high general knowledge in computer science had significantly higher mean scores in assistance, comfort with AI, and technological skills domains (
P
< 0.001).



CONCLUSION:
AI tools could significantly enhance efficiency and serve as effective learning aids. Medical students found easy to interact with AI. If utilized properly, AI may improve education and make learning more engaging.