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. 2009 Oct;34(4):306-9.
doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.58388.

Perception, Practices Towards Research and Predictors of Research Career Among UG Medical Students from Coastal South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hn Harsha Kumar  1 , S Jayaram, Ganesh S Kumar, J Vinita, S Rohit, M Satish, K Shusruth, Nitin, Akhilesh
Affiliations

Perception, Practices Towards Research and Predictors of Research Career Among UG Medical Students from Coastal South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hn Harsha Kumar et al. Indian J Community Med. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Background: The number of physician scientists worldwide is decreasing. A review of literature suggests paucity of information examining perceptions and practices towards research among medical undergraduate students in India. Hence, this study was undertaken.

Objectives: To understand (a) the awareness, skills, perceptions and practices among undergraduate (UG) medical students towards research, (b) the factors responsible for willingness to take up research as a career among the undergraduates.

Material and methods: This is a questionnaire-based qualitative study. This study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A pre-tested questionnaire examining their awareness, perceptions and practices towards research in medical field was used. Consent was obtained from the Dean of the College and student participation was voluntary.

Analysis: The information was analyzed using SPSS version 11. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were done to know the willingness to consider research as a career.

Results: A total of 471 students responded giving a response rate of 55.41%. Nearly 70% were aware about research though their level of awareness varied. Various skills of conducting research were known to 47% of the students. Most (76%) were part of a research team mainly as a part of the medical curriculum, a few (8.3%) were confident of research as a career option. The multivariate reveals that those with good skill and students who involved in research in addition to curriculum were more likely to take up research as career option/would continue to do research in future.

Conclusions: Good training and student support programs exclusively for research would motivate students to opt for research careers.

Keywords: Cross-sectional; medical students; research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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