Assessment of Readiness and Perception toward Artificial Intelligence Integration in Nursing Education: A Quantitative Study in Sindh, Pakistan

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare systems worldwide. However, its effective integration into nursing education, particularly in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), remains underexplored. Objective: To assess the readiness, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding AI integration among nursing students in Sindh using a structured quantitative approach. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 students using a stratified non-probability random sampling method. Data were collected via a validated Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.. Results: 90% of students reported conceptual awareness of AI, and 92% expressed excitement about using AI tools in nursing education. However, only 43% had formal AI training. Perceived barriers included data privacy concerns (86%), lack of infrastructure (77%), and fear of job displacement (71%). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that it is necessary to have a regular systematic AI-oriented training in the nursing curriculum to better equip students in working with a relevant technology.