Perceptions and use of generative artificial intelligence among undergraduate medical and nursing students at Patan Academy of Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: While Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly influencing higher education, data on its integration within medical education remains limited. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, utilization patterns, and underlying concerns regarding GenAI technologies among undergraduate medical and nursing students.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods descriptive study was conducted from August 2025 to March 2026 after ethical clearance from (Ref No). Total enumerative sampling targeted all enrolled MBBS and nursing cohorts. Data were collected online. The instrument featured 18 quantitative items assessing knowledge, willingness, and concerns via a 5-point Likert scale, alongside four open-ended questions evaluating uses, concerns, and integration suggestions in medical education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses underwent inductive thematic analysis.

Result: There were 356(50.92%) respondents to the questionnaire. GenAI adoption was highly prevalent, with 300(84.27%) of students reporting “often” or “always” using the technology. Students exhibited the highest willingness toward GenAI integration, reporting agree/strongly agree, primarily to save time 290(81.46%) and access round-the-clock, 269(75.56%) personalized support. Students expressed the highest concern focused on over-reliance 183(51.41%) and the hindrance of transferable skills 172(48.32%). Qualitative results revealed that students heavily utilize AI as cognitive support to simplify complex medical concepts; they remain deeply concerned regarding intellectual laziness, cognitive decline, and AI hallucinations.

Conclusion: Health sciences students leverage GenAI for academic efficiency but remain acutely aware of risks to critical thinking. Restricting the technology is unsupported by the data; rather, students advocate for proactive curriculum integration and targeted AI literacy training to ensure responsible, effective use.