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Aptitude of Medical Research in Undergraduate Students of a Medical University - Miles to go Before we Sow
JC07-JC11
Correspondence
Dr. Sourya Acharya,
Professor, Department of Medicine, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: souryaacharya74@yahoo.com
Introduction: In the era of modern medicine, research is a fundamental tool to study the natural behaviour of diseases and evidence based management of patients. Excluding a few developed countries, research is still a neglected field. India, being one of the most populated countries, is still behind when it comes to producing and publishing standard medical research publications.
Aim: To evaluate the aptitude of research in undergraduate students of a medical university.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done with a validated questionnaire containing 12 objective questions to evaluate the current scenario of research amongst undergraduate students. The questionnaire was validated by the School for Health Professionals Education and Research (SHPER) of the university. It was distributed among 510 students from the dental and medical colleges of the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The feedback data was collected and analysed using descriptive statistical analysis.
Results: From the medical and dental colleges of the university, 510 students were surveyed. Four hundred and twenty students (82.35%) were aware of clinical research, out of which only 99 students (19.41%), actually participated in research. Thirteen students (13.13%) participated in research to better their chances of career abroad. Hectic schedule was seen as the foremost hindrance amongst 227 students (55.23%). Around 398 students (78.03%) sense research to be an important part of the curriculum. Around 430 students (84.31%) think that research should be taught as a part of the curriculum and 253 students (49.60%) wanted to pursue research as a career.
Conclusion: Change can be brought about in the present scenario of contribution to research by undergraduate students from India on a global scale by making research a part of the curriculum and providing incentives to students.