Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) in delivering medical information to patients in Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This study was conducted as a prospective observational cross-sectional study. The study included adult individuals (≥18 years) residing in Al-Qunfudah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who have used AI tools to obtain medical information about their disease or illness. Data were gathered using online self-administered questionnaires.
Results: A total of 400 participants participated in this study. The most common age group was 18-34 years (70.8%); the majority (95.3%) were Saudi, 61.5% were single, and 50% hold university degrees. The majority (55.5%) use AI tools to obtain health information. Overall, 43.1% reported low effectiveness of AI information. The majority (86.1%) were satisfied with the use of AI in providing medical information to patients in Al-Qunfudhah. Furthermore, 58.7% believed that AI was found to be more accurate in diagnosing conditions than a visit to the doctor. Age (p < 0.00001), nationality (p = 0.00007), marital status (p = 0.00001), and presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.000006) had a significant association with the effectiveness of AI information. Moreover, age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.003), and educational level (p < 0.00001) had significant associations with satisfaction with using AI to obtain medical assistance.
Conclusion: The AI is a broadly used source of medical information among adults in Al-Qunfudhah and was connected with high satisfaction and confidence. AI holds promise as a supportive tool in further improving access to medical information, but it should not replace health professionals from the perspective of patients.

Key words: Artificial intelligence, patient satisfaction, cross-sectional studies, health information systems, patient education