Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2026)
yafte 2026, 28(1): 67-76 |
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Behzadifar M, Abolghasem Gorji H, Shaygan F, Behzadifar M, Azari S, Bakhtiari A. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intentions of Iranian Health Policymakers Toward the Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Policy-Making Processes: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. yafte 2026; 28 (1) :67-76
URL: http://yafte.lums.ac.ir/article-1-3912-en.html
URL: http://yafte.lums.ac.ir/article-1-3912-en.html
Masoud Behzadifar 
, Hasan Abolghasem Gorji , Farzaneh Shaygan , Meysam Behzadifar , Samad Azari , Ahad Bakhtiari *
, Hasan Abolghasem Gorji , Farzaneh Shaygan , Meysam Behzadifar , Samad Azari , Ahad Bakhtiari *
Center for Health Equity Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Center for Health Equity Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (4 Views)
Background: While artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for health systems, its perception among policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of Iranian health policymakers regarding AI integration.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2025 using a purposive sample of officials from national and provincial health institutions. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed domains of knowledge, attitude, and behavior/intention.
Results: Among 122 invited participants, 95 participants responded to the questionnaires (78% response rate). The participants (mean age: 46.2 years; 56.8% male) had an average of 11.6 years of policy experience. While familiarity with general AI concepts was moderate to high, knowledge of its specific applications in Iran and international governance frameworks was limited. Attitudes were predominantly positive, with policymakers recognizing AI's utility in improving decision-making and reducing errors. Despite limited current use, there was a strong expressed interest in future engagement and training.
Conclusion: Iranian health policymakers are optimistic about AI's role; however, it requires targeted education and capacity-building initiatives, particularly on governance and local applications, to facilitate its responsible adoption.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2025 using a purposive sample of officials from national and provincial health institutions. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed domains of knowledge, attitude, and behavior/intention.
Results: Among 122 invited participants, 95 participants responded to the questionnaires (78% response rate). The participants (mean age: 46.2 years; 56.8% male) had an average of 11.6 years of policy experience. While familiarity with general AI concepts was moderate to high, knowledge of its specific applications in Iran and international governance frameworks was limited. Attitudes were predominantly positive, with policymakers recognizing AI's utility in improving decision-making and reducing errors. Despite limited current use, there was a strong expressed interest in future engagement and training.
Conclusion: Iranian health policymakers are optimistic about AI's role; however, it requires targeted education and capacity-building initiatives, particularly on governance and local applications, to facilitate its responsible adoption.
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
سیاست گذاری سلامت
Received: 2026/02/25 | Accepted: 2026/04/28 | Published: 2026/04/30
Received: 2026/02/25 | Accepted: 2026/04/28 | Published: 2026/04/30
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