Knowledge, attitudes and engagement of final-year healthcare students towards Artificial Intelligence applications in healthcare in the Buea Municipality, Cameroon

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform healthcare delivery by reducing workload and improving decision-making. However, limited knowledge and poor attitudes among future health professionals may hinder its adoption. In Cameroon, evidence on healthcare students’ preparedness for AI use remains scarce. Objective: This study assessed knowledge and attitudes towards AI among final-year healthcare students in Buea municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2025 among final-year healthcare students aged ≥18 years at the University of Buea (UB), Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), and Redemption Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences (RHIBMS). Data on knowledge and attitudes towards use of AI were collected and analyzed in SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of good knowledge and positive attitudes at p < 0.05. Results: Of 402 participants, majority 325 (80.8%) were between the age range 18-25 years, 76.4% were females. Good knowledge of AI was found in 51.7%, and positive attitudes in 53.2% of the participants. Predictors of good knowledge included studying at UB (aOR=3.09; 95% CI: 1.77–5.39) or BUIB (aOR=2.13; CI: 1.29–3.51) and being Christian (aOR=4.38; CI: 1.23–15.58). Low engagement was linked to poor AI knowledge (aOR=0.62; CI: 0.40–0.96) and lack of intention to use AI (aOR=0.29; CI: 0.18–0.45). Predictors of negative attitudes included being female (aOR=0.54; CI: 0.32–0.92), attending a private school (aOR=0.58; CI: 0.36–0.95), poor AI knowledge (aOR=0.33; CI: 0.21–0.51), and low engagement with AI (aOR=0.38; CI: 0.24–0.58). Conclusion: Final year healthcare students in Buea show moderate knowledge and attitudes towards AI, with significant gaps in training and engagement. Targeted curricula and digital literacy programs are urgently needed to prepare this future health workforce for AI integration in healthcare systems. Keywords: Artificial intelligence; attitudes; Buea; knowledge; healthcare students.