Knowledge, attitude and perceived barriers towards conducting research among students in a medical college, India

Chibi R. Vairamani; Brogen S. Akoijam

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20180273

Authors

Chibi R. Vairamani Department of Community Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur
Brogen S. Akoijam Department of Community Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20180273

Keywords:

Research, Medical students, Mentorship

Abstract

Background: Health research is a low priority area in the developing world, mostly due to inadequate research budgets and financially not rewarding venture. Medical students have a limited understanding of research and what it entails. Training on research theory to application, is an important but neglected part of medical education curriculum in the country, which needs to be paid more attention. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and perceived barriers towards conducting research among medical students in a remote medical college of India.

Methods: This cross sectional study was done in the easternmost medical college of India during November-December 2015. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from postgraduates and interns. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used for comparing proportions. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Out of the total 493 eligible participants, 440 responded to the questionnaire. More than 3/5^th of the respondents had inadequate level of knowledge of conducting research. Inadequate training (87%), lack of funding (76%), lack of motivation (67%) and no mentorship program (66%), were the major reasons cited by the respondents for not participating in research projects. Ever conducted research was associated with better knowledge of research. Majority of the participants wanted to know more about research.

Conclusions: The study revealed inadequate knowledge but a positive attitude towards research. Sufficient training in research methods, skills and institution of mentorship program can boost participation in research.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biography

Chibi R. Vairamani, Department of Community Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ,DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE,THENI GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL,THENI

References

Hebert RS, Levine RB, Smith CG, Wright SM. A systematic review of resident research curricula. Acad Med. 2003;78(1):61-8.

Zehra N, Hassaan A, Mushtaq S. Research Amongst Junior and Senior Medical Students; Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. Prof Med J. 2015;22(1):121-6.

Hren D, Lukic IK, Marusic A, Vodopivec I, Vujaklija A, Hrabak M, et al. Teaching research methodology in medical schools: students attitudes towards and knowledge about science. Med educ. 2004;38(1):81-6.

Ibrahim NK, Fetyani DM, Bashwari J. Assessment of the research-oriented knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students and interns of the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah and the adoption of a research-intervention educational program. Rawal Med J. 2013;38(4):432-9.

Jayakrishnan T, Honhar, Jolly GP, Abraham J. Medical education in India: Time to make some changes. Natl Med J India. 2012;25(30):164-7.

Sabzwari S, Kauser S, Khuwaja AK. Experiences,attitudes and barriers towards research amongst junior faculty of Pakistani medical universities. BMC Med Educ. 2009;9(1):68.

Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations. Medical Council of India. 2000. Available at:http://www.mciindia.org/RulesandRegulations/PGMedicalEducationRegulations2000.asx. Accessed on November 19, 2015.

Medical council of India Postgraduate medical education regulations, 2000. Available at: http://www.mciindia.org/rules‑and-regulation/ Postgraduate‑Medical‑Education‑Regulations‑2000.pdf. Accessed on 2nd November 2015.

Siemens DR, Punnen S, Wong J, Kanji N. A survey on the attitudes towards research in medical school. BMC Med Educ. 2010;10(1):1.

Kumar HHN, Jayaram S, Kumar GS, Vinita J, Rohit S, Satish M, et al. Perception, practices towards research and predictors of research career among UG medical students from coastal South India: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Community Med. 2009;34:306-9.

Pawar DB, Gawde SR, Marathe PA. Awareness about medical research among resident doctors in a tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional survey. Perspect Clin Res. 2012;3:57-61.

Nel D, Burman RJ, Hoffman R, Randera-Rees S. The attitudes of medical students to research. S Afr Med J. 2013;104(1):33-6.

Segal S, Lloyd T, Houts PS, Stillman PL, Jungas RL, Greer 3rd RB. The association between students' research involvement in medical school and their postgraduate medical activities. Acad Med. 1990;65(8):530-3.