Perceived influential factors toward participation in undergraduate research activities among medical students at Alfaisal University—College of Medicine: A Saudi Arabian perspective

Abstract

Aims: (1) To explore correlations between medical students’ participation in undergraduate research (UR) activities and their characteristics, and (2) to explore students’ perceived influential factors toward participation in UR activities at Alfaisal University—College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia.Methods: An online, anonymous, cross-sectional, self-rating survey was administered. Chi-square test was used to correlate between participation in UR activities and students’ characteristics (age, academic year and grade point average [GPA]). Two-tailed Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the mean 5-point Likert scale responses between students with and without previous UR activities.Results: About 218 students participated in the survey (n = 218/350; response rate: 62.3%). The top three influential factors to undertake UR activities were “facilitate entry into competitive residency programs,” (88.1%) “improve curriculum vitae” (81.2%) and “publish in peer-reviewed journals” (79.8%). Percentage of participation in previous UR activities significantly differed by gender (p < 0.03825), academic year (p < 0.000003) and GPA (p < 0.02627). Students who had previous UR activities were more positively influenced to participate in future UR activities than those who did not (p < 0.0488).Conclusion: Students demonstrated positive attitudes toward UR activities. The relationships between participation in UR activities and male gender, increased number of years spent at medical college and higher GPA were directly proportional.