Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco

Introduction Research is important for the advancement of the medical field. Integrating research in the undergraduate medical curricula is crucial. Previous studies have explored medical students’ knowledge of, attitude towards, and barriers to medical research in different countries. We aim in thi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Imane Chenfouh, Mariam Atassi, Asmae Yeznasni, Asmae Lekfif, Naima Abda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205241296985
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1846168039605665792
author Imane Chenfouh
Mariam Atassi
Asmae Yeznasni
Asmae Lekfif
Naima Abda
author_facet Imane Chenfouh
Mariam Atassi
Asmae Yeznasni
Asmae Lekfif
Naima Abda
author_sort Imane Chenfouh
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Research is important for the advancement of the medical field. Integrating research in the undergraduate medical curricula is crucial. Previous studies have explored medical students’ knowledge of, attitude towards, and barriers to medical research in different countries. We aim in this study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and barriers of medical students towards research in a Moroccan medical school. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study including all medical students at Oujda Medical School from the first year to their seventh year. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire that had been pilot-tested beforehand. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students’ knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding research. Additionally, we analyzed how students’ attitude, knowledge and barriers scores correlated with various sociodemographic variables. Results We received 754 completed responses in total. The knowledge score was relatively low, with a median of 2 (IQR 1-3) across 8 questions, indicating limited understanding of research basics. However, the majority of students expressed a positive attitude towards scientific research, with a median score of 3.26 (IQR 3.04-3.5) on ATR scale. Numerous challenges were identified by the students, including time constraints (75.6%), insufficient funding (75%), and inadequate laboratory facilities (72.6%). Conclusion Moroccan students displayed a high level of attitude towards research, yet a low knowledge score. This discrepancy may be explained by several perceived obstacles towards research. To enhance students’ engagement in undergraduate research, these barriers must be addressed.
format Article
id doaj-art-73f38c5df2614e0589a31a500c7e85f1
institution Kabale University
issn 2382-1205
language English
publishDate 2024-11-01
publisher SAGE Publishing
record_format Article
series Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development
spelling doaj-art-73f38c5df2614e0589a31a500c7e85f12024-11-14T10:03:32ZengSAGE PublishingJournal of Medical Education and Curricular Development2382-12052024-11-011110.1177/23821205241296985Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in MoroccoImane ChenfouhMariam AtassiAsmae YeznasniAsmae LekfifNaima AbdaIntroduction Research is important for the advancement of the medical field. Integrating research in the undergraduate medical curricula is crucial. Previous studies have explored medical students’ knowledge of, attitude towards, and barriers to medical research in different countries. We aim in this study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and barriers of medical students towards research in a Moroccan medical school. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study including all medical students at Oujda Medical School from the first year to their seventh year. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire that had been pilot-tested beforehand. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students’ knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding research. Additionally, we analyzed how students’ attitude, knowledge and barriers scores correlated with various sociodemographic variables. Results We received 754 completed responses in total. The knowledge score was relatively low, with a median of 2 (IQR 1-3) across 8 questions, indicating limited understanding of research basics. However, the majority of students expressed a positive attitude towards scientific research, with a median score of 3.26 (IQR 3.04-3.5) on ATR scale. Numerous challenges were identified by the students, including time constraints (75.6%), insufficient funding (75%), and inadequate laboratory facilities (72.6%). Conclusion Moroccan students displayed a high level of attitude towards research, yet a low knowledge score. This discrepancy may be explained by several perceived obstacles towards research. To enhance students’ engagement in undergraduate research, these barriers must be addressed.https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205241296985
spellingShingle Imane Chenfouh
Mariam Atassi
Asmae Yeznasni
Asmae Lekfif
Naima Abda
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development
title Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
title_full Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
title_fullStr Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
title_full_unstemmed Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
title_short Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Undergraduate Medical Students Towards Research. A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study in Morocco
title_sort knowledge attitude and perceived barriers of undergraduate medical students towards research a cross sectional questionnaire based study in morocco
url https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205241296985
work_keys_str_mv AT imanechenfouh knowledgeattitudeandperceivedbarriersofundergraduatemedicalstudentstowardsresearchacrosssectionalquestionnairebasedstudyinmorocco
AT mariamatassi knowledgeattitudeandperceivedbarriersofundergraduatemedicalstudentstowardsresearchacrosssectionalquestionnairebasedstudyinmorocco
AT asmaeyeznasni knowledgeattitudeandperceivedbarriersofundergraduatemedicalstudentstowardsresearchacrosssectionalquestionnairebasedstudyinmorocco
AT asmaelekfif knowledgeattitudeandperceivedbarriersofundergraduatemedicalstudentstowardsresearchacrosssectionalquestionnairebasedstudyinmorocco
AT naimaabda knowledgeattitudeandperceivedbarriersofundergraduatemedicalstudentstowardsresearchacrosssectionalquestionnairebasedstudyinmorocco