Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to AI in Learning and Research Among Medical Students in Vietnam: Cross-Sectional Study
TL;DR
Medical students showed favorable knowledge and positive attitudes, but their AI practices remained limited, indicating that integrating AI into medical curricula, including fundamentals, applications, and ethical aspects, is essential to prepare future physicians for AI-driven health care.
Abstract
Abstract Background In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a promising era in medicine, particularly in medical education. However, studies assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI among medical students in Vietnam remain limited. Objective This study aimed to evaluate AI knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Vietnamese medical students in learning and research, and to identify factors associated with their AI practices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy from November to December 2025. Data were collected using an online structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and AI knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The main outcome of interest was AI practices in learning and research. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression were used to examine associated factors. Regression coefficients (β), 95% CIs, and P values are reported. Results A total of 1002 medical students (mean age 21.00, IQR 19.00-23.00 years; n=596, 59.5% female) were included. The median percentage of maximum possible (POMP) score of AI knowledge was 66.67 (IQR 33.33‐83.33), with a high level of familiarity with common tools (n=798, 79.6%). AI attitudes were generally positive (median POMP score 70.00, IQR 53.33‐76.67). AI-related practices were lower (median POMP score 50.00, IQR 46.88-71.88), with AI being used primarily for information retrieval and literature research support. In the multivariable analysis, knowledge POMP score (β=0.12, 95% CI 0.08-0.16) and attitudes POMP score (β=0.42, 95% CI 0.34-0.51) were significantly associated with AI practices POMP score (P<.001). Age, gender, major, grade point average classification, and having participated in an AI seminar or training were not associated with AI practices. Conclusions Medical students showed favorable knowledge and positive attitudes, but their AI practices remained limited. Integrating AI into medical curricula, including fundamentals, applications, and ethical aspects, is essential to prepare future physicians for AI-driven health care.