Cross-sectional study reveals high adoption and positive perceptions of AI chatbots among medical undergraduates, suggesting a need for structured ethical guidance.
Key Points
To evaluate the knowledge, usage patterns, perceptions, barriers, and future expectations surrounding AI-based chatbots among medical undergraduates.
Conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 400 pre-clinical and clinical medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka using a piloted questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.856).
Assessed factors using exploratory univariable binary and ordinal logistic regression to calculate unadjusted odds ratios after testing the proportional-odds assumption.
Nearly all participants (98.5%) were aware of and utilized AI chatbots for learning, with 67.5% rating them effective, 85.8% noting improved learning experiences, and 76.2% citing concerns over inaccurate information.
Clinical students reported higher perceived effectiveness (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.29–2.73, p = 0.001), enhanced learning experience (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.35–2.88, p < 0.001), greater accessibility (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.66–3.47, p < 0.001), and greater ethical inappropriateness (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.24–2.80, p = 0.003).
Male students reported higher chatbot knowledge (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.53–3.36, p < 0.001), more frequent use (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00–2.37, p = 0.049), and greater perceived ethical inappropriateness (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25–2.93, p = 0.003).