Do perceptions and usage of AI tools differ across genders, academic level, and fields of study? A cross-sectional study of Health Sciences students

Abstract

Objective: The research examines differences in the perception, awareness, and utilization of AI tools among health sciences students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These differences are examined by gender, academic level, and field of study. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey study was conducted among Health sciences students. The study used a close-ended questionnaire at the University of Hail (UOH), KSA. The results examined general perceptions of AI and its association with learning and performance. The study also addressed ethics and academic integrity related to AI, and AI usage concepts. Data were collected from a total sample of 392 students. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and construct scores. Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare gender differences, while Kruskal Wallis H tests were adopted to assess differences across academic levels and programs. Results: The analysis found significant differences in AI perception, ethical awareness, and use based on gender and academic level (p-value < 0.01). Additionally, ethical awareness and AI use differed across academic programs. However, general perceptions of AI showed weak but statistically significant differences among academic fields. Overall, demographic and academic factors were associated with how students perceive, evaluate ethically, and use AI technologies. Conclusion: The study suggests the importance of incorporating of structured AI education with ethics training in health sciences curricula. The results may inform curriculum development and educational planning in KSA.

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