Nursing Students' Awareness, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Iraq
Abstract: Background: Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing healthcare delivery and nursing education. Understanding nursing students' perceptions is important for preparing future professionals to use AI responsibly. Objective: To assess nursing students' awareness, experiences, perceptions, and training needs concerning artificial intelligence in healthcare. Methods: A descriptive, survey-based study was conducted among 175 nursing students at Cihan University-Erbil, Iraq. Data were collected using a 22-item closed-ended questionnaire and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants were aware of AI (81.7%), and 56.6% reported previous AI use. Approximately 64.6% believed that deep learning-based AI could improve patient care, while 68.0% recognized its potential to facilitate communication across language barriers. Only 30.3% had received formal AI training, and 63.4% believed that additional training was necessary. Concerns included possible reductions in human nursing skills through excessive AI dependence. Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated substantial awareness of AI and generally positive perceptions of its potential applications. However, limited formal training and concerns about professional skills indicate the need for structured AI education, ethical guidance, and continued human oversight. Further research involving multiple institutions is recommended.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Nursing; Healthcare technology; Patient care; AI training; Clinical decision support systems; Ethical considerations
How to Cite?: Mazin Hajy, Ahmed Thanoon, Esraa Hassan, Shaza Hama, Zina Ayoob, Sajad Chmagh, Kawther Ahmed, "Nursing Students' Awareness, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Iraq", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1462-1466, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR261022152029, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR261022152029