Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Artificial Intelligence among Medical Students in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan

Abstract

³ Department of Basic Sciences, Spinghar Medical University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Abstract

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in reshaping the delivery and practice of healthcare and medical education through its use in areas such as disease diagnosis, clinical decision support, medical image interpretation, and personalized learning. Future physicians require adequate knowledge, appropriate attitudes, and practical competencies to use AI effectively and ethically. However, evidence regarding medical students’ preparedness for AI in Afghanistan remains limited.

Objective
To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding artificial intelligence (AI) among medical students in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, and to identify educational factors associated with AI knowledge and utilization.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026 among 386 undergraduate medical students enrolled in government and private medical faculties in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Participants were recruited using a non-probability self-selection sampling approach. Data were collected through a pre-tested, structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics and study variables. Associations between categorical variables were examined using the Pearson chi-square test of independence, while correlation analysis was performed to assess relationships between continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with AI-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The majority of participants were between 18 and 22 years of age (60.1%), and 65.0% were enrolled in General Medicine. General Medicine students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of AI concepts and applications compared with other faculties (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed among AI knowledge domains, while greater knowledge of AI limitations and ethical concerns was associated with lower use of AI for some academic activities. AI utilization differed by academic year for assignments and research activities (P < 0.05), with no consistent junior–senior pattern. Attitude-related variables were not significant independent predictors of AI utilization.

Conclusion
Although medical students generally expressed favorable views toward AI, opportunities for formal education in this area were limited. Integrating structured AI education, ethical training, and practical learning opportunities into medical curricula is needed to strengthen AI readiness among future healthcare professionals in Afghanistan.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Medical Students, Knowledge; Attitudes; Medical Education