Exploring Student Perceptions and Utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pharmacy and Medical Education in Africa

This ongoing study explores the awareness, usage, attitudes, and experiences of medical and pharmacy students regarding generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, across four institutions in Africa. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the research involves a quantitative survey completed by 130 students from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Uganda, which will be followed by qualitative interviews. Preliminary results indicate that while students widely use AI tools to support academic tasks, notably 94.6% had not received formal training, and most had no institutional guidance. Ethical concerns and low faculty engagement are also emerging as major challenges. Students express interest in responsible AI use whilst highlighting the absence of structured support. The study is underscoring a critical need for specific strategies to integrate AI literacy into health professions education in Africa. The qualitative phase will further contextualize these findings to inform curricular and policy recommendations.