Demographic factors, knowledge, attitude and perception and their association with nursing students’ intention to use artificial intelligence (AI): a multicentre survey across 10 Arab countries

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, with a significant impact on nursing practice. As future healthcare practitioners, nursing students must be prepared to incorporate AI technologies into their job. This study aimed to explore the associated factors with nursing students' intention to use AI. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional multi-centre design was used. A convenience sample of 1713 university nursing students from Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates completed a self-reported online instrument divided into five sections covering: (1) demographic sheet, (2) knowledge, (3) attitude, (4) perception and (5) intention questionnaire. RESULTS: Most nursing students in Arab countries have moderate levels of knowledge, attitude, perception and intention towards the use of AI. There was a significant positive association between knowledge, attitude, perception and intention towards the use of AI. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that understanding of AI technologies, self-perception as tech-savvy, age, clinical performance in previous semesters and knowledge of AI were significant and positively correlated with intention. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of targeted educational interventions and customised strategies to support AI integration within nursing education settings across Arab countries, equipping future nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their practice.