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Original Article
Online Published: 17 Mar 2026
 


Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

Esraa Alnazzawi, Luluah Albakr, Rahaf A. Almotairi, Meshal L. Almutairi, Sharifa A. Almutairi, Noorah A. Aldubaib, Nada Alobaid, Alanoud Almufarrej.


Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used in medical education; however, national data from Saudi Arabia remain limited.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2025 among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia using a validated online questionnaire distributed through convenience sampling. Demographics, AI exposure, ChatGPT usage patterns, and perception scores were analyzed using SPSS version 28 with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: A total of 286 students participated, of whom 187 (65.4%) were female and 154 (53.8%) were aged 19-22 years. The most commonly used AI tools were AI-generated simulation cases (194, 67.8%), virtual patients (114, 39.9%), and digital anatomy (93, 32.5%). ChatGPT was mainly used for studying/exam preparation 259 (90.6%), answering medical questions 248 (86.7%), and exploring new medical topics 234 (81.8%). Perceptions were favorable, particularly regarding the need to verify ChatGPT outputs (mean 4.38 ± 0.82). Younger students and active ChatGPT users demonstrated significantly higher perception scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: ChatGPT is widely used by medical students in Saudi Arabia and is viewed as a beneficial adjunct to learning. Structured AI education focusing on ethics and verification is recommended.

Key words: Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Medical Education, ChatGPT, Medical Students, Saudi Arabia, Perception.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Alnazzawi E, Albakr L, Almotairi RA, Almutairi ML, Almutairi SA, Aldubaib NA, Alobaid N, Almufarrej A. Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(4): 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875

Web Style

Alnazzawi E, Albakr L, Almotairi RA, Almutairi ML, Almutairi SA, Aldubaib NA, Alobaid N, Almufarrej A. Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=308934 [Access: April 07, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Alnazzawi E, Albakr L, Almotairi RA, Almutairi ML, Almutairi SA, Aldubaib NA, Alobaid N, Almufarrej A. Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(4): 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Alnazzawi E, Albakr L, Almotairi RA, Almutairi ML, Almutairi SA, Aldubaib NA, Alobaid N, Almufarrej A. Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. IJMDC. (2026), [cited April 07, 2026]; 10(4): 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


Harvard Style

Alnazzawi, E., Albakr, . L., Almotairi, . R. A., Almutairi, . M. L., Almutairi, . S. A., Aldubaib, . N. A., Alobaid, . N. & Almufarrej, . A. (2026) Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. IJMDC, 10 (4), 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


Turabian Style

Alnazzawi, Esraa, Luluah Albakr, Rahaf A. Almotairi, Meshal L. Almutairi, Sharifa A. Almutairi, Noorah A. Aldubaib, Nada Alobaid, and Alanoud Almufarrej. 2026. Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (4), 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


Chicago Style

Alnazzawi, Esraa, Luluah Albakr, Rahaf A. Almotairi, Meshal L. Almutairi, Sharifa A. Almutairi, Noorah A. Aldubaib, Nada Alobaid, and Alanoud Almufarrej. "Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10 (2026), 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Alnazzawi, Esraa, Luluah Albakr, Rahaf A. Almotairi, Meshal L. Almutairi, Sharifa A. Almutairi, Noorah A. Aldubaib, Nada Alobaid, and Alanoud Almufarrej. "Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10.4 (2026), 1175-1183. Print. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Alnazzawi, E., Albakr, . L., Almotairi, . R. A., Almutairi, . M. L., Almutairi, . S. A., Aldubaib, . N. A., Alobaid, . N. & Almufarrej, . A. (2026) Medical students’ perceptions and experiences with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (4), 1175-1183. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770018875




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