The Role of Technology Acceptance, AI Anxiety, and Demographic Factors in Jordanian Healthcare Decision Makers' Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly acknowledged as a transformational influence in healthcare, including early diagnostic responses, decision support, and therapeutic enhancement. Successful implementation of AI technologies is dependent on the attitudes of healthcare decision-makers (HDMs) who have a central role in influencing institutional and national adoption plans. This research aimed to explore the impact of technology acceptance, AI anxiety, and demographic factors on Jordanian HDMs' attitudes towards AI in healthcare institutions A cross-sectional approach was used, focusing on 152 healthcare decision-makers from governmental, NGO, and academic institutions in Jordan. Data was collected using a structured online questionnaire utilizing three validated instruments: the General AI Attitudes Scale, the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale, and a modified Technology Acceptance Model. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to identify determinants of favorable and negative views about AI. The results indicated the most positive feelings toward AI among participants, shown by a mean positive attitude score of 3.94 (SD = 0.59) and a somewhat lower mean negative attitude score of 2.60 (SD = 0.71). Junior HDMs and those employed in academic institutions, NGOs, and governmental organizations had greater positive views compared to their private sector counterparts. Heightened anxiety over AI, especially linked to its learning capacities and sociotechnical ramifications, was strongly associated with negative perceptions. Furthermore, perceived value and ease of use were identified as significant factors influencing positive attitudes towards AI. These results emphasize the need for specialized training and intuitive AI solutions to enhance acceptance and enable the efficient use of AI in healthcare systems.