Perceptions, attitudes, and practices towards research among resident physicians in training in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Health research training forms an important part of medical education. This cross-sectional study examined the attitudes to research, perceived barriers to research and experience of participation in research projects among resident physicians in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered email questionnaire was completed by 191/207 residents working in different specialties and regions of Riyadh. A majority [97.9%] agreed that research is essential and improves health care and 86.9% that it helps in building a future academic career. Lack of research training [93.2%], lack of time [89.5%], work-related stress [83.2%] and lack of supervisors [73.3%] were perceived barriers to doing research. Only 58 [30.4%] had had any research involvement. Involvement in research was significantly more likely for residents at an advanced level of training than at earlier levels [OR 3.50, 95% Cl 1.1-11.1] and less likely for those who had 1 or 2 children during residency than those who had none [OR 0.29,95% Cl 0.1-0.8]