KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR HEALTH INFORMATION AND HEALTHCARE DECISION MAKING AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in healthcare, enhancing access to health information and supporting clinical decision-making. AI-powered tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and symptom checkers are increasingly used for healthcare guidance. Despite their growing adoption, concerns regarding the accuracy, privacy, and reliability of AI-generated information remain significant. Assessing public knowledge and attitudes is essential for promoting the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI in healthcare. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of AI for health information and healthcare decision-making among the general population. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the general population regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for health information and healthcare decision-making. It also evaluates trust in AI-generated health information, willingness to use AI for future healthcare needs, and the association between selected socio-demographic variables and participants' knowledge and attitudes toward AI. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 adults aged 18 years and above using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed online using Google Forms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge-related questions, and attitude statements regarding AI in healthcare. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Among the 223 participants, 96.0% were aware of AI technologies, while 76.7% had previously used AI tools for obtaining health-related information. Most participants believed AI could explain diseases and symptoms (69.1%) and recognized that AI-generated health information should be verified using reliable medical sources (71.3%). More than half (56.1%) agreed that AI should assist healthcare professionals rather than replace them, and 47.1% expressed willingness to use AI for future health information. Significant associations were observed between age and AI awareness/use, gender and selected knowledge variables, and education and verification of AI-generated health information (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the general population possesses satisfactory knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward AI in healthcare. Respondents appreciated the convenience and usefulness of AI but emphasized verifying AI-generated information and consulting healthcare professionals before making medical decisions. Strengthening digital health literacy and ensuring ethical implementation of AI are essential to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.