Individual and Professional Factors Influencing the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: A Multivariate Study Across Latin America.

Authors

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/edumed.685291
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, individual predictors, professional behavior, Latin American medicine, technology adoption

Abstract

This study examines the individual and professional factors associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice across Latin America. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a structured survey administered to 1,041 physicians from 18 countries. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, academic background, statistical training, AI familiarity, attitudes, prior use, and decision-making in simulated clinical scenarios. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and multivariate logistic regression. The mean age of participants was 51.5 ± 13.5 years; 77.5% were specialists and 50.5% held university teaching positions. Although AI awareness was widespread, most physicians reported basic knowledge (51.8%), with a small proportion indicating advanced training (3.7%). A strong preference for human clinical judgment predominated (86.0%), accompanied by concerns regarding lack of empathy (28.0%) and limited personalization of care (25.0%). In the final multivariate model, AI familiarity emerged as the strongest predictor of use (OR = 4.59; 95% CI: 3.10–6.81). Perceived usefulness of AI was also independently associated with a higher likelihood of adoption (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.07–5.81). In contrast, diagnostic skepticism and basic technical knowledge were not independently associated with AI use after adjustment. A favorable attitude toward AI was significantly related to a greater willingness to follow AI recommendations in simulated clinical scenarios (χ² = 75.2; p < 0.001). Overall, AI adoption in Latin American medical practice appears to be driven primarily by practical familiarity and perceived value, rather than by advanced technical expertise. These findings support the need for educational and regulatory strategies that foster a critical, responsible, and context-sensitive integration of AI, while preserving the central role of human judgment in medical decision-making.

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Published
05-01-2026
How to Cite
Nouri Kandany, V., Fabián Vásquez, L., Valdez, P., Jiménez Arias, J., & Valdez Disla, A. (2026). Individual and Professional Factors Influencing the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: A Multivariate Study Across Latin America. Spanish Journal of Medical Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.6018/edumed.685291
Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Spanish Journal of Medical Education
Section
Artículos

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