Advances in Medical Education and Practice (Jan 2023)
How Do Medical Students Perceive Their Research Experiences and Associated Challenges?
Abstract
Nada Alyousefi,1,2 Joud Alnojaidi,1 Afnan Almohsen,1 Shayma Alghanoum,1 Ghaida Alassiry,1 Layan Alsanad,1 Samu Alzeer1 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nada Alyousefi, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966114670836, Email [email protected]: Undergraduate medical students’ research experience is essential for their career progress. Understanding the perceived challenges undergraduate medical students face in conducting research can improve the research experience in the undergraduate curriculum. This study explores the medical students’ perception of medical research and assesses their practices and perceived barriers encountered in carrying out medical research.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of the college of medicine of King Saud University in Riyadh. They were invited to enroll in a web-based survey composed of four sections; demographic data, attitudes toward science and research, perceived barriers to participating in scientific research activities, and medical students’ research practice and experience.Results: A total of 389 students responded to the survey. The most commonly reported barrier to participation in scientific research was lack of time due to being overburdened with educational activities (74.6%). Gender (P < 0.008), age (P < 0.0001), academic year (P < 0.0001), grade of the research course (P < 0.0001), and the rank of supervisor (P < 0.0001) were identified as significant contributors to success in publication. The only barrier identified as a significant factor is the inadequate research supervisors’ guidance and support (P 0.015). Clinical students are more confident in research skills than pre-clinical students.Conclusion: Although participation in the research was high among medical students, most reported a lack of time and the lack of mentors as significant barriers to conduct research. This required interventions to improve the mentorship and tailor it to the student’s needs throughout the curriculum.Keywords: medical research, medical student, medical education, mentoring
