How Medical AI Readiness, Anxiety, and Attitudes Shape Nursing Students' AI Competence – A Path Analysis
Abstract
This study conducted a path analysis to examine the impact of several related variables on artificial intelligence (AI) user competence. The participants included 310 nursing students from a single nursing school in Turkey. Hypothetical paths were established to assess the influence of medical artificial intelligence readiness, AI-related anxiety, and both positive and negative attitudes toward AI on AI competence. Positive attitudes toward AI and medical AI readiness had significant effects on AI competence. Additionally, both positive and negative attitudes toward AI had a significant negative effect on AI-related anxiety; however, the total, direct, and indirect effects of anxiety on AI competence were not significant. The model explained 33.5% of the variance in AI user competence. AI-focused interventions, along with the creation of a supportive learning environment for nursing students during their practicum, may be key strategies to enhance their AI competence.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Artificial Intelligence (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
İlknur Dolu
*
0000-0002-0958-8395
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 31, 2026
Submission Date
August 6, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 3, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: 2
