Perceptions And Attitudes of Postgraduate Students towards Thesis Work in A Medical College in Delhi.

Abstract

IntroductionResearch forms the backbone of rapidly evolving world of medical sciences. In the existing medical curriculum, every student pursuing MD/MS Degree has to conduct a research study and submit a write up in the form of thesis as an essential requirement to earn the degree of Masters of Medicine/Surgery. There is thus a need to identify perceptions, attitudes, motivational factors and barriers among these postgraduate studentsin carrying out their thesis work in medical colleges.Materials and MethodsThis was cross sectional study, conducted in a Medical College of Delhi, in February 2017 among 247 MD/MS post-graduate students. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess perceptions, attitudes, motivating factors and barriers towards doing thesis work.ResultsAlmost 70% postgraduate were motivated towards doing their thesis work but still, 62.8% perceived that thesis should be made optional. Major motivating factors included support from the supervisors, satisfaction towards career aspiration and advancement in the current field. Major barriers included unavailability of samples, difficulty in following up patients, lack of internet access in the department and lack of time.ConclusionEven with knowledge regarding the importance of research in the field of medicine, barriers outnumbered the motivations towards conducting thesis work. Overcoming these barriers in various forms will help enable a greater number of students to pursue research.