ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS AND USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS. A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly used in health education, yet evidence from Pakistani nursing students is scarce. This study assessed their perceptions and use of GenAI.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 186 BSN students from private nursing institutes, recruited through purposive sampling. A structured, expert-reviewed questionnaire, piloted with 20 students, measured perception (15 items across usefulness, concerns, and readiness) and use on 5-point scales. It was distributed online via WhatsApp class groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS 24 using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, and Pearson correlation (p<0.05).

Results: Most participants were male (58.6%) and from rural areas (65.6%); none had received formal AI training. Overall, 80.6% had used GenAI and 46.8% used it at least weekly, mainly ChatGPT (84.0% of users). Explaining concepts was the main purpose (mean 4.12). Perceived usefulness (mean 4.01) and readiness and institutional support (3.93) were high, as were concerns about ethics and risks (3.82), particularly patient privacy and inaccurate information. Only 11.3% knew of an institutional policy. Use correlated with perceived usefulness (r=0.46) and readiness (r=0.31) but not with concerns (r=0.06). Use differed by year of study (p=0.044); perception did not differ by gender, year, or residence.

Conclusion: Nursing students have adopted GenAI widely and value it, yet remain concerned about privacy, accuracy, and academic integrity. Concern did not reduce use, and students are ahead of institutional guidance. Nursing institutes should provide clear policies, curriculum-based training in verifying AI output and protecting patient information, and assessments that promote responsible and independent use