Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Motives and Barriers Towards Scientific Research among Dentists and Dental Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Research is crucial for the scientific progress of the health of individuals, communities, and systems. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, motives and barriers among dentists and dental students in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Objective: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, motives and barriers toward scientific research among dentists and dental students in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 467 dentists and dental students using a convenience sampling method from seven dental colleges, major governmental and private dental clinics in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. We used a validated self-report questionnaire to collect data and assess the knowledge of, attitude towards and barriers to scientific research. Results: The participants (who are dentists and dental students) have a total knowledge score of m=4.57, SD=2.46, which is slightly lower than the midpoint. Participants who work in governmental clinic were significantly (F (2,464) =13.71, p<0.001) more knowledgeable than those who worked in private clinic and the students. Most participants had positive general and personal attitudes toward scientific research. Of the participants, 40.5% to 60.4% were involved in research activities, and 37.3% have submitted or published scientific articles. The most common motive for scientific research was receiving credit for post-graduate application (58.46%). The most common organizational barrier to conduct a research was the difficulty of finding research supervisor (39.19%) and lack of time due to work overload (32.55%). While most common personal barriers were lack of knowledge/skills (38.76%), lack of personal time (36.83%) and receiving credit for postgraduate application. Conclusion: Saudi dentists and dental students had a moderate level of knowledge and practice in research, but their attitude was highly positive. More efforts are needed to facilitate scientific dental research including supervisors’ availability and time allocation for research. The study has some limitations including using convenience sample from one region and self-report questionnaire that decreases the external validity of the study and increases the potential for self-reported biases.

Actitudes relacionadas con la ciencia en estudiantes universitarios

“…En cambio, los hallazgos están alineados con lo encontrado por Duong & Thi (2022) en Vietnam, quienes valoraron el rol de los docentes para mejorar la actitud hacia la ciencia, por ello, se coincide en que se debería considerar asesores especializados en investigación que apoyen a los estudiantes, tal como lo propone Abdulrahman et al (2020). Esta labor, como lo concluye Castro-Rodríguez (2021), debe contemplar el compromiso de las universidades para impulsar el involucramiento de los estudiantes hacia la ciencia.…”

“…Por ello, la universidad debe promover la investigación para que se genere un mayor interés de los estudiantes universitarios en la ciencia y, para lograrlo, se requiere la asignación de un asesor o supervisor de investigación científica para orientar las actividades de investigación de los estudiantes, como también lo mencionan Abdulrahman et al, (2020) y Pop et al, (2022.…”

The inclination of undergraduate students at King Edward Medical University towards research and its perceived barriers and facilitators; a cross-sectional study

“…Other important barriers to research such as lack of acknowledgment, mentorship, opportunities for presentation, and statistical support for research were identified in a considerable proportion in our study and have also been brought to light previously by a Saudi Arabian study [ 21 ]. Lack of both technical and financial support and motivation were also faced by the participants as recognized by another Indian study [ 22 ]. Most of the students believe that there is a lack of awareness of basic research concepts among students.…”

Knowledge and awareness among dental and life science students towards research: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study

“…Research in oral hygiene not only impacts the immediate practice of dentistry but also influences its long-term development and the quality of patient care, thus significantly shaping the dental profession [4] . Efforts to encourage research engagement among dental students have been introduced through various activities.…”