ASSOCIATION OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY WITH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: The rapid pace of development in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created new opportunities and challenges in nursing education. As intelligent technologies are increasingly integrated into the clinical decision-making and learning environments of healthcare, AI literacy has become a necessary competency for future nurses. But there are still concerns about students’ ability to critically evaluate information generated by AI and maintain independent reasoning skills. Generative AI Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills are important considerations in preparing nursing students for AI-enabled health care systems.

Objective: To determine the association of Generative Artificial Intelligence Literacy with Critical Thinking Skills among undergraduate nursing students.

Methodology: A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 undergraduate BS Nursing students. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire which included demographic characteristics, a Generative Artificial Intelligence Literacy assessment scale, and a validated Critical Thinking Skills scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05.

Results: The mean Generative AI Literacy score was 56.84 ± 8.92, while the mean Critical Thinking Skills score was 38.26 ± 5.64, indicating moderate levels of both competencies. A significant positive correlation was found between Generative AI Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills (r = 0.56, p <0.001). Regression analysis showed that Generative AI Literacy significantly predicted critical thinking skills and explained 40% of the variance in critical thinking scores (R² = 0.40, p <0.001).

Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing students with higher levels of Generative Artificial Intelligence Literacy had higher Critical Thinking Skills. The addition of AI literacy training into nursing curricula can improve students’ capacity to critically appraise information and build the competencies needed for health care practice in a future dominated by technology.