20.500.12556/RUP-21491 Perceptions, ethical challenges and sustainable integration of generative AI in health science education a cross-sectional study first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Perceptions, Ethical Challenges and Sustainable Integration of Generative AI in Health Science Education: A Cross-Sectional Study by Mirko ProsenORCID andSabina Ličen *ORCID Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146546 Submission received: 30 May 2025 / Revised: 15 July 2025 / Accepted: 17 July 2025 / Published: 17 July 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue E-Learning and Educational Technologies for Sustainable Transformation of Education) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Versions Notes Abstract Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is changing higher education. Understanding students’ perceptions, usage behaviour and ethical concerns is crucial for the responsible and sustainable use of AI in the academic environment. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions, experiences and challenges of health sciences students in relation to the use of generative AI in their academic learning. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 397 students enrolled in four undergraduate health-related degree programmes in Slovenia, including nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics and applied kinesiology. The data was collected using a validated 27-point scale. Students were generally favourable towards AI, especially in terms of its perceived usefulness, integration into their daily study routine and ethical considerations. Regression analyses revealed that frequency of AI use, duration of use, self-reported skill level and confidence in using AI significantly predicted perceived usefulness. Gender differences were found, with male students reporting higher perceived usefulness and fewer concerns. Students recognised the potential of generative AI but emphasised the importance of ethical guidance, digital literacy and equal access. Institutions should prioritise structured training and inclusive strategies to ensure meaningful, sustainable and responsible integration of AI into health education. higher education student perceptions digital literacy AI integration sustainable education equity ethics visokošolsko izobraževanje dojemanje študentov digitalna pismenost etika vključevanje umetne inteligence trajnostno izobraževanje pravičnost true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Izvleček, povzetek 2025-07-21 23:57:23 2025-07-21 23:57:25 2025-07-22 03:04:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 17 str. iss. 14 , [article no.] 6546 Vol. 17 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 2025-07-17 004.8:17 2071-1050 10.3390/su17146546 243274755 https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/14/6546 1 aef5406a-667d-11f0-8f0b-005056ac49c0 https://repozitorij.upr.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=31240 https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146546 1 af503998-667d-11f0-8f0b-005056ac49c0 https://repozitorij.upr.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=31241 Fakulteta za vede o zdravju 0 0 0