Submission ID 117081
| Issue/Objective | Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an influential force in the global healthcare industry, providing improvements in resource allocation, personalized therapy, and diagnostics. The integration of AI into healthcare services holds great promise for improving healthcare delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Cameroon. However, the adoption of AI in healthcare is influenced by various economic and social factors. This study assessed the socio-economic factors associated with the willingness to adopt AI for healthcare services in the South West and Littoral regions of Cameroon. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,614 people in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon from March to May 2024. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Faculty of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board of the University of Buea. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with p-value set at p < 0.05. |
| Results | A total of 1614 community members took part in this study with equal number of males 813 (50.4%) and females 801 (49.9%). The majority 1,049 (65.0%, 95% CI: 62.8-67.3) of the respondents were of the opinion that AI will reduce job opportunities in the healthcare sector. Most, 927 (57.6%, 95% CI: 55.0-59.9) of the participants expressed willingness to adopt AI for healthcare services. Economic factors significantly associated with the willingness to adopt AI included the affordability of AI services (aOR = 1.445, CI: 1.152-1.813, p < 0.001) and government policies and regulations (aOR = 2.052, CI: 1.669-2.521, p < 0.001). Social factors associated with willingness to adopt AI were having educational campaigns (aOR=1.689, CI: 1.309-2.180, p=<0.001), cultural acceptance (aOR=1.711, CI: 1.365-2.145, p=<0.001), privacy and security of personal data (aOR=1.479, CI: 1.151-1.908, p=0.002) and collaboration with local healthcare providers (aOR=1.306, CI: 1.049-1.627, p=0.017). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Key economic and social factors associated with the adoption of AI in healthcare include affordability, regulations, awareness, cultural acceptance, privacy, and collaboration. Addressing these concerns can enhance adoption while mitigating job displacement fears. The study was funded by International Development Research Centre (Grant Number: 109-981-001) |
| Presenters and affiliations | Randolf Fuanghene Wefuan University of Buea Moise Ondua University of Ngaoundere, DigiCare Cameroon Elvis Asangbeng Tanue University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Ginyu Innocentia Kwalar University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Odette Dzemo Kibu University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Denis Nkweteyim University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Madeleine L. Nyamsi University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Peter L. Achankeng University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Christian Tchapga University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Justine Ayuk University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Patrick Jolly Ngono Ema University of Ngaoundere, DigiCare Cameroon Maurice Marcel Sandeu University of Ngaoundere, DigiCare Cameroon Gregory Eddie Halle-Ekane University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Jude Dzevela Kong University of Toronto, AI4PEP Dickson Shey Nsagha University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon Dickson Shey Nsagha University of Buea, DigiCare Cameroon |
