Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Knowledge of medical students about research has been little explored. Although
there has been a practice of medical research among undergraduate level, the practice is not universal
and there have been potential barriers and difficulties in carrying out the research. The present study
was done to find the perception and attitude toward medical research and to assess the practices
and potential barriers in carrying out medical research.
METHODOLOGY: This cross‑sectional study was conducted among 344 medical school students
of a medical college in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in 2018. Systematic random sampling was used.
The study tool was self‑administered questionnaire including questions on knowledge, barrier, and
5‑point Likert scale for assessing attitude. Adequate knowledge (>70% correct answers) and positive
attitude (>25 score) were considered.
RESULTS: Among the 344 study participants, only 127 (36.9%) of students had adequate knowledge
and 68 (19.8%) had positive attitude toward medical research. Regarding practice of research, only
34.3% had conducted a research and only 17.4% had published in journals. Difficulty in choosing
topic, difficulty in collecting data, and allocation of time amidst academic activities were considered as
a barrier by 41.6%, 40.7%, and 45.9%, respectively. Association of adequate knowledge and practice
was statistically significant for age (P = 0.000), gender (P = 0.000), and academic year (P = 0.000).
CONCLUSION: Adequate knowledge and positive attitude were lacking in majority of students.
Barriers could be addressed by support programs and sensitization toward research.
Keywords
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