Perception and Concerns of Undergraduate Medical Students Toward Research: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction or Background: Training of undergraduate (UG) medical students in research methodology is an important but a highly neglected part in the medical curriculum. The UG students even though they are motivated are not involved in research projects. Proper knowledge about the research will not only help in improving the problem-solving abilities of the students but will also motivate them to choose research as a career. This study was undertaken to identify the diversity in knowledge about research and also to look at the obstacles they are facing to take up research. Objectives: To assess the perceptions and concerns of UGs toward medical research. Methodology: This questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was carried out at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, BG Nagara, Karnataka. A total of 235 UG students were involved in the study. A pre-tested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was devised to collect information regarding the awareness and concerns of the students about research. The student participation was voluntary. Results: A total of 235 students responded to the questionnaire from III year (24.3%), V year (40.4%), VII term (26%), and VIII and XI term (9.3%). 96.6% perceived research is beneficial in the medical field and research should be included in curriculum (83.4%). 95.5% felt research activities help in better understanding of the subject and research is important for keeping update in the clinical field (94%). Only 23.5% of students were involved in research activities, and the majority (74.9%) were unaware of funding agencies. Among the UG students, the most important determinant for poor research is a lack of motivation (27.7%) followed by research being not a part included in the curriculum (16.6%). Conclusion: Research skill training workshops and integration of research in UG curriculum may motivate the future doctors to inculcate research in their professional careers.