Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence among medical students in Sudan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jaber Amin Mohammed Hammad , Mohamed Elhassan Elmahi Musab Awadalla , Abdelmonim Gasm Alseed , Fadlalmoula Gasm Alseed , Jaber Amin Jaber Hammad , Khalid Alrabee Noon hatim , Awad Mohammed haydar , mohamed omer Zuhal yahya , Abu Dayyeh Nuha Tayseer Ibrahim , Hassan Abdalkareem Nada Abdalla , Meisara Seed Ahmed Esra Mohammed Osman , Hassan Osman Hadia Abdelrahman , Mohamed Hiba A.O. , Mohamedtoum Babiker Aya Elshaikh , Diab Alnour Ammar Alemam , Mohamed ahmed Estbrg alsafi , elamin garban Eithar hussein , Ali Mohammed Noura Satti , Mohamed Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien , Beig Mirza Adil , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Mohamed Elhag Mazar Gamal , Elfakey Omer Mojtaba Majdy , Abuzaid Ali Amna Alrasheed , Mohamed Shatir Doaa Haider , Ali MohamedElhassan Hiba Osman , Bin saleh Khlood Hamdi Ahmed , Ali Maria Badraldin , Elzber Abdalla Sahar Suliman , Alhaj Waleed Mohammed , Khalil Mergani Elaf Sabri , Mohammed Hazim Hassan 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

In this cross-sectional study, the authors explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to artificial intelligence (AI) among medical students in Sudan. With AI increasingly impacting healthcare, understanding its integration into medical education is crucial. This study aimed to assess the current state of AI awareness, perceptions, and practical experiences among medical students in Sudan. The authors aimed to evaluate the extent of AI familiarity among Sudanese medical students by examining their attitudes toward its application in medicine. Additionally, this study seeks to identify the factors influencing knowledge levels and explore the practical implementation of AI in the medical field.

Method:

A web-based survey was distributed to medical students in Sudan via social media platforms and e-mail during October 2023. The survey included questions on demographic information, knowledge of AI, attitudes toward its applications, and practical experiences. The descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, logistic regression, and correlations were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results:

Out of the 762 participants, the majority exhibited a basic understanding of AI, but detailed knowledge of its applications was limited. Positive attitudes toward the importance of AI in diagnosis, radiology, and pathology were prevalent. However, practical application of these methods was infrequent, with only a minority of the participants having hands-on experience. Factors influencing knowledge included the lack of a formal curriculum and gender disparities.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need for comprehensive AI education in medical training programs in Sudan. While participants displayed positive attitudes, there was a notable gap in practical experience. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational interventions is crucial for preparing future healthcare professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in medicine.

Recommendations:

Policy efforts should focus on integrating AI education into the medical curriculum to ensure readiness for the technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare.