Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: University Students' Perceptions and Level of Confidence.

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: The continuous progress of information technologies and their increasing use in the health sector have driven the integration of these technologies into the care of the population, including the progressive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Given the rapid growth of AI, legislation and scientific evidence have been accompanying developments, clarifying the place of this technology in society. This study aimed to determine university students' perspectives on the use of AI in healthcare, correlating them with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Data were collected using an original personal questionnaire to first-year students from four organic units at the University of Porto, between December 2024 and March 2025. Results: A total of 235 responses were obtained from four different Faculties, and no significant differences were found between gender, area of study, or course, regarding perspectives on the inclusion of AI in healthcare. Across the board, students view this inclusion positively, even though they trust a doctor more and do not have uniform positions regarding the system's accountability. Conclusions: Thus, the study's results highlight the need to deepen the debate and training on AI in healthcare, to promote the conscious, critical, and ethical integration of these technologies into healthcare.