Effect of Research Methodology Workshop on the Perceptions of Post Graduate Medical Students towards Research.

Corresponding Author:
Sumanth Tarikere Parameshwaraiah,
Associate Professor,
Department of Psychiatry,
Rajarajeswari Medical College & Hospital,
Kambipura, Mysore Road, Bangalore,
Karnataka, India.
E-mail: sumanth_tp@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Health research training is an important part of medical postgraduate program. There is a decrease in the number of students wanting to pursue a career in research-based activity. This can hamper the progress in the field of medicine. We wanted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of postgraduate medical students towards research before and after a workshop on research methodology.

METHODS

All the first year post graduate students of our medical college and hospital were invited for the study. A pre-test and post-test were administered to the students attending the workshop on research. Pretested and validated questionnaire contained questions on knowledge, attitude and practices was used. Paired t test and descriptive analysis were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean score of knowledge was 3.39±0.98 (48%) during the pre-test and it was 3.73±1.22 (53.93%) in the post test. Paired t test was significant. To assess the attitude, Likert scale was used with the options- strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree and strongly agree. When the pre-test and post-test attitude scores and practices were compared, t-value was significant. In the pre-test, 75% of the postgraduates wanted to pursue a career in research in the future, and it increased to 90.74 % in the post test.

CONCLUSIONS

A focussed exposure and education about scientific research would enhance the knowledge, attitude and interest of students towards research and will provide better researchers for the future.

KEY WORDS

Postgraduates, Research, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices