Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Students About Medical Research in Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
 Objectives: Medical students are the bright future researchers and giving priority to their early research experiences will have its remarkable effect on research evolution. Recent advances in medical fields are challenging and increase the importance of attracting new researchers. This study describes knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to participation in research among undergraduate medical students. 
 Methods: This is a cross-section study on 260 medical students. Data collected included: knowledge about research (nine multiple questions); attitude towards medical research (eight questions); practice of research (five questions) and barriers against participation in research (nine questions).
 Results: Some aspects of research knowledge were affected by students’ sex, previous year grade, academic phase, and premedical school type. About 44.6% gave right answers about parts of scientific papers. Academic phase medical students had better research knowledge than clinical phase students. More than 80% of study participants agree on the importance of being oriented about clinical research methodology. Lack of time was the most addressed barrier against participation in research projects by the students (50.5% of clinical phase students). 
 Conclusions: Raising students’ awareness about the importance of research, improving students’ attitude, and removing barriers could improve their participation and experience in research.