Technological advancements have significantly transformed human activities, evolving from manual labour from the Stone Age to modern times. The advanced automation of machines now enhances efficiency and reduces the time required for complex tasks. Despite the growing global integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, there is still a paucity of information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI among pharmacy professionals in Zambia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI among pharmacy personnel in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 pharmacy professionals in Zambia between August and September 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Of the 316 participants, 108 (34.2%) were aged 20–25 years. The majority of the participants demonstrated good knowledge 202 (64.0%), 284 (90.0%) exhibited positive attitudes, and 216 (68.4%) reported good practices to AI. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge and age (p = 0.031) and between practice and gender (p = 0.002). Most pharmacy professionals in Zambia displayed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good AI-related practices. Knowledge was significantly associated with age, while practice was influenced by gender. Despite these promising findings, there is a need to further promote AI adoption in pharmacy to enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, educational initiatives and awareness programs should be implemented to ensure pharmacy personnel fully understand AI’s role and benefits in healthcare.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Pharmacy Professionals, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Healthcare Technology, Digital Health, AI Adoption, Pharmacy Education, Health Informatics, AI Awareness, Zambia.
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Source of Funding:
This study did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not–for–profit sectors.
Competing Interests Statement:
The authors have not declared any conflict of interest.
Consent for publication:
The authors declare that they consented to the publication of this study.
Informed Consent:
Participants were informed of the study’s objectives through an information sheet and consent form.
Ethical Approval:
Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Zambia Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (UNZAHSREC) under Protocol ID 20231270135 and NHRA number NHRA5937/13/08/2024.
Authors' contributions:
All the authors took part in literature review, analysis, and manuscript writing equally.
