Current status and determinants of artificial intelligence-related anxiety among healthcare professionals: A...

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered various forms of anxiety among healthcare professionals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of AI anxiety among healthcare professionals in the context of rapid AI development, thereby furnishing empirical evidence to inform the design of institutional intervention strategies.

A cross-sectional study.

Using convenience sampling, a questionnaire survey was administered to 898 healthcare professionals from medical institutions in Mianyang, China, between June and August 2025. The survey instruments included a general information questionnaire and the Healthcare Professionals' AI Anxiety Questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were conducted to explore factors influencing AI anxiety.

Healthcare professionals reported a moderate overall level of AI anxiety, with the AI anxiety subscale scoring the highest among all dimensions. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex, marital status, job category, hospital level, experience with AI technology, status of AI-assisted system development at institution, AI technology training, participation in AI tech introduction discussions, and role of AI feedback mechanisms were significant predictors of AI anxiety (p < 0.05). These factors collectively explained 38.9% of the total variance.

AI anxiety is prevalent among healthcare professionals and is associated with both individual characteristics and organizational factors. These findings may inform the development of future interventions to facilitate healthcare professionals' adaptation to AI technology.