Knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers in conducting research among resident physicians in Cagayan Valley Medical Center

ABSTRACT

Background@#Medical research is undoubtedly an essential tool in improving health care. Thus, every resident physician should participate in health research activities to keep his knowledge and training up-to-date. Although research is incorporated in residency training, several studies have shown that much is still lacking in terms of the residents’ knowledge, attitude, and practices in research.@*Objective@#To determine the knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers in conducting research among resident physicians in Cagayan Valley Medical Center.@*Methods@#This study utilized a descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling with total enumeration was done. A total of 108 resident trainees were included in the study. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the residents’ knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers in conducting research. @*Results@#The level of research knowledge of the resident trainees is below average, and their overall research practice is poor. On the contrary, the residents’ attitude towards research is positive. The residents’ level of research knowledge significantly differed across age (p=0.010) and year level (p=0.012). The trainees’ research attitude significantly differed in terms of current involvement in research (p=0.048). The top three barriers identified were lack of research training and skills, insufficient time allotted for research, and lack of statistical support.@*Conclusion@#There is a need to fill the gap between the residents’ positive attitude and their below average level of knowledge and poor practice in research. Addressing the barriers in conducting research is also needed to improve the overall standards of research among the residents.