Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Medical Practice in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64917/ejemph/Volume03Issue06-02Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, healthcare professionals, medical practice, technology adoption, digital health, healthcare innovation, Nigeria, health informaticsAbstract
Background
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being incorporated into healthcare systems worldwide, with applications spanning diagnosis, clinical decision-making, research, administrative support, and patient monitoring. Despite growing global interest, evidence regarding healthcare professionals’ perceptions of AI within the Nigerian healthcare context remains limited.
Aim
To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals in Nigeria regarding the integration of AI into medical practice, with particular emphasis on awareness, perceived applications, readiness for adoption, and barriers to implementation.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 88 healthcare professionals practising in Nigeria between February and June 2025. The questionnaire collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of AI, perceived applications, readiness for adoption, barriers to implementation, and predictors of AI use. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify factors associated with AI use.
Results
The mean age of respondents was 38.65 ± 6.27 years, and 59.1% were male. Awareness of AI was generally high, with 43.2% reporting that they were somewhat familiar with AI and 39.8% indicating that they were familiar with the concept. Image analysis (85.9%) and diagnosis (84.7%) were the most frequently recognised healthcare applications of AI. Most respondents believed that AI could improve medical practice in Nigeria. Perceived barriers to implementation included electricity challenges (64.7%), digital literacy limitations (63.5%), infrastructural constraints (58.8%), resistance to change (56.5%), and ethical concerns (50.6%). Predictors considered important for successful AI implementation included strong cybersecurity measures (71.8%), robust data governance policies (65.9%), training and upskilling opportunities (64.7%), and continuous monitoring of AI systems (62.4%). Age was the only factor significantly associated with AI use (χ² = 12.546, p = 0.028).
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals in Nigeria demonstrate substantial awareness of AI and generally view its integration into medical practice positively. However, significant infrastructural, educational, ethical, and governance-related barriers remain. Effective implementation will require strategic investment in digital infrastructure, workforce development, regulatory frameworks, and data governance systems to ensure that AI can be deployed safely, responsibly, and effectively within the Nigerian healthcare system.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Oluwakemi Laguda-Akingba, Japhet Y. Galaboyi, Olukunle David Olukoti, Oyeteju Maajulah Akinwande, Umma Hani Ja’afaru, Awajiomowa Jonathan, Kesiena Uchemefuna, Oluwatomi Esther Adepoju, Barth Onyekachi Nwokedi, Tolulope Bayode Abejide, Aliyuda Ali, Christabel A. Ovesuor, Ovesuor, Nera Perpetual Kadiri-Eneh, Kenechi Gerald Ike, Gabriel Olaoluwa Abayomi, Daniel Ikechukwu Oseji, Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu, Chika Oguguo, Gordon Mabengban Yakpir, Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo, Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu (Author)
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