Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy students and graduates regarding artificial intelligence in healthcare: a multi-regional cross-sectional study predominantly from the Asir region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare education and practice. However, evidence regarding AI utilization among pharmacy students and graduates in Saudi Arabia remains limited, particularly outside major urban centers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to AI among pharmacy students and graduates using a multi-regional sample predominantly from the Asir region. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among pharmacy students and graduates across multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics and KAP toward AI applications in pharmacy were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Of the 333 respondents, 200 (60.1%) were from the Asir region (including Abha and surrounding cities), while 133 (39.9%) represented other regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants included Diploma, B. Pharm, Pharm D, M. Pharm, and Ph.D. students and graduates. Results Among the 333 respondents, most were aged 18–39 years and female. A high proportion (82.6%) reported awareness of AI, and 76.9% were familiar with ChatGPT. However, only 42.3% reported using AI tools for academic or professional purposes, revealing a significant awareness–practice gap ( p < 0.05). Overall attitudes toward AI were positive, with 71.2% agreeing that AI can enhance pharmacy education and 68.4% believing it can improve clinical decision-making, although concerns regarding patient safety and workforce implications were commonly reported. Conclusions In this multi-regional convenience sample, predominantly representing the Asir region (60.1%), pharmacy students and graduates demonstrated high awareness of artificial intelligence but limited practical utilization, indicating a persistent awareness–practice gap. Given the predominance of respondents from the Asir region, the regional findings should be interpreted as exploratory and are not nationally representative. Nevertheless, the results highlight the need for structured curricular integration of AI education, including formal AI literacy training, ethical guidance, and supervised exposure to AI-based tools, to promote consistent and responsible adoption across pharmacy education and practice in Saudi Arabia.

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