Attitudes toward artificial intelligence: their association with creative self-efficacy and problem-solving ability in nursing interns

To determine the levels of attitudes toward artificial intelligence(AI), creative self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability among nursing interns enrolled in diploma and bachelor’s nursing programs who were in the final stage of their clinical training in Guangxi, China, and to explore the relationships among these variables as well as the factors associated with attitudes toward artificial intelligence. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 259 nursing interns undertaking their final-year clinical internships across seven hospitals. Data were collected between July and August 2025 using an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, AI attitudes, creative self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The study followed ethical principles and STROBE reporting guidelines. The mean score for nursing interns’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AIA) was 47.70 ± 8.75, the mean score for creative self-efficacy (CSE) was 28.56 ± 6.20, and the mean score for problem-solving ability (PSA) was 79.83 ± 17.53. Spearman correlation analysis showed that AIA was positively correlated with PSA ( p < 0.05) and CSE ( p < 0.05), and that CSE was positively correlated with PSA ( p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis further indicated that gender, educational program, CSE, and PSA were independently associated with AIA after adjustment. Positive correlations were observed among attitudes toward artificial intelligence, creative self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability in nursing interns. Educational program, gender, creative self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability were significantly associated with AI attitudes; however, these findings reflect associations rather than causal relationships.