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Artificial intelligence literacy and associated factors among gastroenterologists in China: findings from a multicenter survey with nationwide geographic coverage

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, making AI literacy an emerging core competency for physicians. However, AI literacy among Chinese gastroenterologists has not been systematically investigated. This survey assessed AI literacy among Chinese gastroenterologists and examined its associated factors. Methods We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional survey with nationwide geographic coverage among gastroenterologists in China. The study was implemented from February to June 2026 following ethical approval. Participants were recruited from 96 hospitals across 30 provincial-level regions and completed a structured online questionnaire assessing AI literacy using the Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS). Following univariable analyses, multiple linear regression was used to identify factors independently associated with AI literacy. Results A total of 1,125 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The median overall AI literacy score was 82 (IQR, 69–96). Median scores for the Cognition, Ability, Vision, and Ethics domains were 28, 31, 11, and 12, respectively; after normalization to a 0–100 scale, the corresponding scores were 62.5%, 71.9%, 66.7%, and 75.0%. In the adjusted analysis, more frequent AI tool use was associated with progressively higher AI literacy scores compared with rare or no use (2–3 times/week: B = 3.47; 4–5 times/week: B = 5.86; almost daily: B = 8.00; all p ≤ 0.020). AI-related training (B = 7.61, p < 0.001) and self-reported AI use in medical practice (B = 5.93, p < 0.001) were also associated with higher scores. Participants from central China had higher scores ( p < 0.001), whereas those from western China had lower scores ( p = 0.025), compared with those from eastern China. Conclusion Chinese gastroenterologists reported varying levels of perceived AI readiness across MAIRS-MS domains, with the lowest normalized scores observed in Cognition and Vision. Self-reported AI literacy was associated with educational attainment, geographic region, AI tool use frequency, AI-related training, and AI use in medical practice. These findings highlight the potential relevance of structured and regularly updated AI education, while longitudinal studies incorporating objective competency assessments are needed to clarify these associations and determine whether educational interventions improve physicians’ AI-related knowledge and skills.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1967305