Perception of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in the Nigerian healthcare sector: A cross-sectional study

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant benefits across various facets of healthcare delivery, notably in personalised pharmacotherapy and the development of targeted health interventions for specific demographic groups. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the applications of AI and machine learning (ML) from the perspectives of healthcare professionals in Nigeria . A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and responses were obtained from healthcare professionals across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, and a stratified multistage sampling method was employed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 was used to analyse the data generated. The results of descriptive analysis and inferential analysis were generated and discussed appropriately. Pharmacists (27.7%), physicians (24.5%), and nurses (19.3%) comprised the largest professional groups, with females representing 55.7% of participants. Most respondents (68.3%) were aged 18–30 years. Two-thirds (67.3%) agreed that ML algorithms can enhance research processes, and a similar proportion (69.5%) believed AI could accelerate drug discovery. Regarding clinical decision-making, 66.6% indicated that AI can support physicians by processing unstructured data, while 77% felt AI and ML could improve pharmaceutical manufacturing. This study revealed positive perceptions from healthcare professionals regarding the applications of AI and ML in the Nigerian health sector. The findings from this study indicate the readiness of the health workforce for a large-scale implementation of AI technologies in the sector.