What Physicians Know about Statistics in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Statistics is a science that deals with collecting, managing, summarizing, and presenting data. An adequate understanding will help in making decisions [1]. Physicians were found to have limited knowledge of statistics. Objective: To assess the knowledge, familiarity, and competency of statistical concepts among physicians. Methods: It’s a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A convenient sample of 440 physicians was identified and contacted through a digital survey. A questionnaire was used to obtain statistical familiarity and competency among physicians. Results: This study found that more than half of the participants were interested in research with at least one publication. More than half learned statistics in undergraduate and postgraduate years. Physicians were found to have limited competency toward statistical concepts. Conclusion: Physicians were found to have sufficient information about the basic principles of statistics which are commonly used in medical research articles. Steps should be taken to educate trainees by conducting revisions, and statistical courses.