Psychiatrists’ and trainees’ knowledge, perception, and readiness for integration of artificial intelligence in mental health care in Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising healthcare globally, including in Nigeria. AI is promising in psychiatry, particularly in addressing the shortage of psychiatrists and rural healthcare gaps. However, research on AI adoption among Nigerian psychiatrists is unavailable. AIMS: This study assesses Nigerian psychiatrists’ and trainees’ knowledge, perception, and readiness toward AI adoption in psychiatric practice. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 200 psychiatrists and trainees. Participants completed a structured online questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, perception, and readiness for AI adoption in psychiatry. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants is 39 years (Range: 26–68). Most (86.5%) were aware of AI’s usefulness in psychiatric practice, particularly in diagnostic assistance (54%), patient monitoring (60%) and predicting outcomes (59%). However, only 38.5% were familiar with its use. About 73.5% had a positive perception towards AI integration in psychiatry; Most agreed to AI’s potential benefits in the standardisation and personalisation of care plans (63%), addressing the shortage of psychiatrists (61%), minimises bias (73.5%), and prompt help-seeking behaviour among patients (68%). Respondents were sceptical about AI surpassing average psychiatrists in tasks requiring empathy (91.0% unlikely) and mental status examinations (68% unlikely). Data security, potential loss of human interaction, and diminished empathy were significant concerns. Only 29.5% had used AI-based tools, and 79.5% expressed future adoption readiness. CONCLUSION: Nigerian psychiatrists view AI as valuable in addressing psychiatric service gaps but emphasise the need for ethical regulations and targeted training to ensure safe, empathetic, and culturally appropriate AI applications in psychiatry. ETHICS REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Committee of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital with approval protocol number KWASUTH/IRC/246/VOL.II/46. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.