Abstract
BackgroundEarly exposure to medical research, specifically at the undergraduate level, contributes in building a solid medical education for students. In 2014, the Medical Research Volunteer Program (MRVP) was established at the American University of Beirut (AUB). This program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to be involved in ongoing medical research projects, on a voluntary basis. Little is known about undergraduates’ outlook on medical research and the challenges they face. The aim of this study was to assess, among AUB undergraduate students, the perception, attitude, practice and barriers towards medical research, as well as to identify factors affecting them, such as background characteristics and research involvement.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out at AUB, where undergraduate students enrolled in specific chosen classes were surveyed in spring 2019 via paper based questionnaires. Close-ended questions assessed students’ attitude, perception, practice and barriers towards medical research using a 5-point likert scale. Moreover, demographic characteristics and research involvement information were collected.ResultsFive hundred and twenty three students were surveyed. About half of the students were premedical students (51.5%), and only 43.6% of them were aware of the medical research program at their university. The average attitude, perception, practice and barriers scores were found to be 3.58, 4.35, 3.58 and 2.60, respectively (on a scale from 1 to 5). Students found the lack of mentoring and guidance to be the main barrier in conducting medical research.ConclusionOur findings reveal that students express interest towards medical research and recognize its importance. A medical research program at the undergraduate level is indispensable in guiding students in their future career endeavors. Therefore, research programs should be constantly monitored to assure a research-oriented environment within institutions.
Highlights
Exposure to medical research, at the undergraduate level, contributes in building a solid medical education for students
Willing to devote the same time to medical research as their university studies aThe “Other” section includes the following majors: psychology, political sciences, education, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer and communications engineering and chemical engineering and barriers towards medical research, we found an overall positive perception and attitude among study participants, as well as identified few barriers to getting involved in medical research at the undergraduate level
Gender When stratified according to gender, our study revealed that females had a more positive perception, attitude and practice towards medical research, whereas males significantly perceived more barriers towards medical research
Summary
Exposure to medical research, at the undergraduate level, contributes in building a solid medical education for students. In 2014, the Medical Research Volunteer Program (MRVP) was established at the American University of Beirut (AUB) This program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to be involved in ongoing medical research projects, on a voluntary basis. The aim of this study was to assess, among AUB undergraduate students, the perception, attitude, practice and barriers towards medical research, as well as to identify factors affecting them, such as background characteristics and research involvement. Studies suggest that early exposure to research, at the undergraduate level, can be considered as a natural catalyst in building a solid medical education for students [2]. There are only a few studies [5] assessing the nature of the barriers faced by graduate or undergraduate students while conducting medical research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
