Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Research among Undergraduate Medical Students in India

Abstract

Introduction: “The detailed process of gathering information or detailed study to discover and understand new information that would initiate, modify or terminate present understanding” is the definition of research. Research is very important in every field to generate new information in particular subject. Aim: To evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of research in undergraduate medical students in a medical college, India. Materials and Methods: It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study. Total 150 students from first, second and third year MBBS from the medical college participated voluntarily. Percentages of students were taken for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 150 students, total 143 (95.43%) students had basic understanding about research. Total 139 (92.7%) students knew about both the research study designs that is observational and experimental. Only 59 (41.3%) students knew that randomised controlled trial is not an observational study. Only 62 (42.8%) students knew that meta-analysis type of studies can generate highest level of evidence. Total 88 (58.66%) students were willing to conduct the research. Lack of time (88 students, 60.7%) and lack of guidance (86 students, 59.3%) were two major hurdles for conducting research study. Total 8 (5.3%) students were currently conducting research out of 150. Conclusion: As per the study, in-depth knowledge required to conduct research is not upto the mark among undergraduate medical students. They are willing to conduct research but their major limitations are time and guidance during undergraduate tenure. By including research methodology as subject in undergraduate medical curriculum, medical students can be inspired to conduct research efficiently. Those who are practicing research are getting favourable outcome from it.