Ethical Perspectives and Strategies for AI Integration: Insights from Allied Health Students at the University of Ruhuna.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing academic and professional domains, necessitating an understanding of ethical implications. This study assessed allied health students at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, regarding their perspectives on AI, focusing on ethical concerns and strategies to address them. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 278 undergraduates from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, utilizing a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The most significant ethical concerns identified were data privacy (n = 186, 67.1%), followed by a lack of transparency, accountability, and liability (60.6%), academic integrity (46.6%), algorithmic bias (38.3%), and psychological impact (35.4%). However, concerns about job displacement were less significant (27.1%). Students suggested several strategies to enhance ethical awareness. The most favoured approach (44.7%) was integrating ethics-focused courses or modules into academic curricula. Encouraging open discussions on AI ethics (25.65%) and supporting research projects focused on ethical issues (19.1%) were also highlighted. Collaboration with industry partners, though less frequently recommended (10.6%), was recognized as a potential avenue for fostering awareness. Students also recognized their roles in shaping AI's ethical use. Most (87.7%) emphasized the importance of participating in discussions on AI ethics and offering constructive feedback to influence policy. Advocating for transparency in AI systems (39.7%) and conducting research on AI ethics (35.0%) were viewed as critical. Collaborating with faculty and administrators (27.4%) and creating student-led initiatives like student societies (17.3%) were additional measures identified to promote a culture of ethical responsibility. The findings emphasize the urgency of addressing ethical concerns associated with AI in academic settings. Integrating ethics into education and fostering collaboration can prepare allied health students for the ethical challenges posed by AI's growing role in healthcare and academic work.