Are Medical Undergraduates Involved in Research? : A Cross Sectional Study in a Government Medical College in Telangana

Abstract

Background: Research experience gained by the medical students during their undergraduate days plays a major role in their attitude towards research during the postgraduate period. Medical students have a limited understanding on research and translation of theory into practical is neglected in medical curriculum of developing world. This study aims at assessing the knowledge, attitude and barriers towards conducting research among the medical undergraduates of a government medical college in Telangana. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 171 third year medical students of Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana from August to October 2021. A pretested, semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-20.0 and descriptive statistics were used to summarize it. Results: Out of 171 students, more than 90% of them had poor knowledge on research and 67.1% were interested in research. Only 2.3% have conducted research projects. Lack of guidance (89.5%), lack of knowledge (86.5%) and lack of time (48%) are some of the barriers faced by the students. Conclusion: This study revealed that students are having poor knowledge despite of having positive attitude towards research. Training of faculties, adequate motivation and guidance are needed to improve the indulgence of students in research activities.