Abstract
BackgroundGaps between evidence-based research and clinical-public health practice have been evident for decades. One of the aims of medical student research is to close this gap. Accordingly, evaluating individual and environmental factors that influence participation of medical students in research are needed to understand and identify potential targets for action. This study aims to identify characteristics of medical student researchers in Colombia and the associated factors with scientific publications.MethodsA cross-sectional study of Colombian medical students involved in research using a validated, self-administered, online survey. The survey was distributed through the Colombian Association of Medical Students’ Associations (ASCEMCOL). Data sets were analyzed using descriptive and summary statistics. Bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model were conducted to identify predictors of scientific publications.ResultsA total of 133 responses were analyzed from students at 12 Colombian cities and 20 higher-education institutions. Although 94% of responders had at least one research proposal, only 57% had completed a project, and 17% had published their findings. Barriers for undertaking research included time restrictions and a lack of mentorship. Motivational factors included opportunity to publish findings and good mentorship. Students planning to do a specialization (OR = 3.25; 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–8.30), innovators (OR = 3.52; 95%CI = 1.30–9.52) and committed (OR = 3.39; 95%CI = 1.02–11.29), those who had previously published their findings (OR 9.13 IC95% 2.57–32.48), and were further in their medical education (OR 2.26 IC95% 1.01–5.07), were more likely to publish scientific papers.ConclusionsOur findings describe medical students understanding of the process of conducting research in Colombia. Although there appears to be motivation to participate in research, very few students achieve publication. Barriers such as time constraints and mentorship seem to play a critical role. This highlights opportunities where barriers to research can be overcome in medical school and other levels.
Highlights
Gaps between evidence-based research and clinical-public health practice have been evident for decades
Participants were from 12 Colombian cities and 20 higher-education institutions (HEI), of which 12 (60%) were public institutions
Out of the 133 participants, 77% were enrolled in a public HEI and 17% had a job in addition to their medical training, which in most instances, was not related to the medical field
Summary
Gaps between evidence-based research and clinical-public health practice have been evident for decades. There is a global deficit of Bonilla-Escobar et al BMC Medical Education (2017) 17:254 overall remains an activity of a minority of students and they often lack support mechanisms for their initiatives. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries where intellectual, structural and financial support mechanisms are often lacking. Motivators that have been described include: good mentorship and enhancing visibility through indexed publications [5,6,7, 14] Factors that make it difficult for or demotivate young people to undertake research include high costs, little financial return in the long run (in comparison to clinical practice peers) and lengthened training. Individual factors influencing medical student engagement in scientific research activities are students with a high grade point average (GPA) and personality dimensions “openness to experience”, “conscientiousness”, and “extraversion” [15]
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