The Involvement Of Doctors In Research Activities In Two Major Hospitals In Penang, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Majority of doctors show no interest in research although research is now a requirement and is being done in every field of medicine. The objective of this survey was to describe the involvement in research activities among doctors in Penang and Seberang Jaya hospitals in Penang. A self-administered questionnaire was used. A total of 302 doctors participated in the survey. The differences in age (p=<0.001), years since graduation (p=0.001), occupation (p=<0.001), post graduate qualification (p=0.001) and career focus (p=0.005) were statistically significant for the involvement in research activities. Respondents who had additional training in statistics (OR 2.86 95% CI 1.76; 4.67), who read journals regularly (OR 3.79 95% CI 2.29; 6.27), who were confident in interpreting medical literature (OR 3.08 95% CI 1.84;5.17), interested in a career in research (OR 7.35 95% CI 4.26;12.68) and who had knowledge in the use of statistical packages (OR 11.10 95% CI 6.29;19.60) were more likely to be involved in research. By hierarchy, having knowledge in statistical packages (aOR 11.57 95% CI 5.49; 24.42), interested in a career in research (aOR 8.54 95% CI 3.99; 18.28) and having a post graduate qualification (aOR 1.48 95% CI 1.01;2.16) were significant associated factors. It is imperative that doctors be given ample opportunity to attend research methodology training programmes to increase their participation in research activities.