Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Barriers Toward Research Among Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Background:

Early exposure to medical research during undergraduate studies helps to establish a solid medical education by enhancing students' understanding and knowledge of the subject. This exposure also provides valuable experience with evidence-based medicine, which is crucial for success in the medical field. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers toward research among undergraduate medical students.

Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS-20. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The study found that 70.6% of students had good knowledge and 44.9% of students had a good attitude toward research. The good attitude was highest among interns (73.70%) followed by first-year students (60%). The study showed that 28.9% had participated in at least one workshop on research methodology, lab research, or any other similar workshops. Barriers faced by students were lack of time due to the demanding nature of the MBBS curriculum, lack of opportunity to conduct research, lack of funding for research, and difficulty in patient follow-up.

Conclusion:

The students had good research knowledge, with decreasing attitude toward research from first to final year but highest among interns. Research practice among students is low. Barriers faced by students were lack of time, awareness, opportunity; funding, and difficulty in patient follow-up.