Attitude and Perceived Barriers towards Research among Undergraduate Medical Students of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Undergraduate research opportunities teach students not only how to conduct research, but they too learn problem-solving aptitudes. Participating in research also increases students' interest is being involved and making special contributions to the academic field. Therefore, the aim of our study was intended to assess the attitude and perceived barriers toward research among the medical undergraduates of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among third, fourth, and fifth year students across medical colleges in Bangladesh, during the month of July, 2020 to December, 2020. A Google-linked questionnaire was disseminated to the students via different social platform and the responses were received through Google drive. Result: The questionnaire survey received responses from 1279 students, with 94% claiming to be familiar with the scientific method. 82.7% of students mentioned they could design and execute a research project as well as can write scientific articles. More than half of the respondents (66.4%) expressed an interest in participating in research. Almost all respondents (96.7%) agreed that research is beneficial as it aid critical thinking and policy implementation. 79.8% of respondents opined that education on research methodology should be required in the medical curriculum. Majority of the respondents reported that lack of time and priorities to do research work because of compact academic tasks (89.1%), insufficient guidance (86.6%), lack of familiarities with research methodology (87.5%) and statistical analysis (85.2%) are the barriers of research. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that Bangladeshi medical students have a positive attitude toward research and that research methodology should be taught in undergraduate medical education. In order to increase participation in research, the challenges identified by students should be addressed.

Challenges and Attitude towards Research among Physicians of Bangladesh: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire Survey.

“…Introducing the medical student to the fundamentals of medical research at initial phases improve their skills in searching, analyzing and evaluating medical journals, self-directed learning, and drafting [28,29] In comparison to individuals who did not get training, physicians who got undergraduate research training had a more favorable attitude toward research and faced fewer hurdles [26]. Despite the fact that undergraduate medical students are passionate about performing medical research, they are unable to develop the ability to conduct research due to a number of difficulties, insufficient incorporation of research methodology in the undergraduate curriculum [30]. According to a survey, the most significant research challenges were insufficient research time (76.5%), insufficient financial assistance (63%), and a lack of financial incentives (51%) [31].…”

Perceptions and Experiences of Pursuing Research Among Medical Students in Problem-Based Learning Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Study from Qatar

“…These challenges have been consistently reported in other studies. 7 , 9 , 11 , 15 However, Al Kuwaiti and Subbarayalu's study listed the most commonly reported barriers as lack of institutional motivation, lack of infrastructural activities, and lack of faculty involvement. 21 Others reported inadequate internet connection, language barriers, and insufficient financial support as the main challenges.…”

“…Similar motivators have been found in other studies. 4 , 7 , 11 For instance, a recent study carried out in medical schools in Uganda showed that for certain students, passion for research serves as the main driver of research engagement. 12 Furthermore, Kiyimba et al 12 revealed that guidance on manuscript writing and publication can serve as a motivator for many students.…”

“…Other studies in other regions found further demotivating factors, such as financial constraints, lack of experience, lack of mentorship, difficulty in choosing topic, difficulty in collecting data, or lack of interest and motivation. 11 , 16 , 18 , 19…”

Undergraduate students’ involvement in research: Values, benefits, barriers and recommendations

“… Assar A et al (2022) [ 15 ] Six Arab Countries (Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Jordan, Syria and Palestine) The top ten perceived barriers towards research practice in the entire sample were lack of access to lab equipment for research, priority of education over research, lack of time because of educational tasks, generally poor attention given to researchers, lack of fund, poor collaboration between different academic departments and research centers, Insufficient research skills, lack of suitable research space, lack of faculty input and lack of familiarity with research studies. Ferdoush J et al (2022) [ 16 ] Bangladesh Majority of the respondents reported that inadequate time and priorities, insufficient guidance, inadequate familiarities with research methodology and statistical analysis were the barriers of research. Mugabo E et al (2021) [ 17 ] Rwanda The most significant barrier to research participation was students' belief that they lacked knowledge of research processes.…”