Sosyal Bilimler ve Sağlık Bülteni

Özgün Makale

No. 18 (2026)

Perspectives of Adults Living in Balıkesir on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Submitted
May 16, 2026
Published
2026-06-19

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in healthcare, particularly in diagnosis, treatment planning, disease prediction, patient care management, and clinical decision support. The successful integration of these technologies into the healthcare system is closely associated with whether the public perceives artificial intelligence as reliable and beneficial. This study aimed to determine the views of adults living in Balıkesir regarding the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 among adults aged 18 years and older living in the central neighborhoods of Altıeylül district, Balıkesir. A total of 715 participants were reached using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using Google Forms. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and the t-test was used for continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±15.3 years, and 52.9% were female. Overall, 64.5% thought that artificial intelligence would be beneficial in healthcare. While 44.8% believed that artificial intelligence would provide accurate diagnoses, 57.3% expressed concerns about personal data security. In univariate analyses, all examined variables, except sex and concerns about personal data security in the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, differed significantly according to whether artificial intelligence was perceived as beneficial. The proportion of participants who considered artificial intelligence beneficial was higher among those younger than 50 years, single individuals, those with an associate degree or higher education, employed participants, those with household income at or above the poverty threshold, those without children, those without chronic disease or regular medication use, those with telemedicine experience, and those who believed that artificial intelligence would provide accurate diagnoses in healthcare.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Perceptions of the benefits of artificial intelligence in healthcare vary according to sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and telemedicine experience. Clear, evidence-based, and trust-oriented informational activities should be planned for different groups in society.

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