Utilization of, Perceptions on, and Intention to Use AI Chatbots Among Medical Students in China: National...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Health Literacy

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly influential in medical education.
• Understanding medical students' adoption of AI chatbots in China is crucial for future healthcare.
• Current knowledge on Chinese medical students' AI chatbot utilization and perceptions is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utilization, perceptions, and intention to use generative AI chatbots among medical students in China.
• To identify key determinants influencing AI chatbot acceptance using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).
• To provide insights for enhancing AI integration in medical education.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey was conducted with medical students across China.
• A web-based questionnaire, based on the UTAUT framework, was distributed via social media.
• Multivariable regression analysis examined the relationship between behavioral intention and UTAUT predictors.

Main Results:

• Out of 693 participants, only 28.72% reported using AI chatbots for studying, with ChatGPT being most common.
• Primary uses included quick information retrieval (91.05%) and increased learning efficiency (85.71%).
• Utilization behavior, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, and personal innovativeness positively correlated with behavioral intention to use AI chatbots (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• Chinese medical students exhibit positive perceptions and high intentions towards AI chatbots.
• A significant gap exists between the intention to use and actual adoption of AI chatbots.
• Strategies focusing on access, training, support, and peer examples are needed to maximize AI chatbot benefits in medical education.