Knowledge, attitude, and practice of residents in medical research and barriers: A cross-sectional survey at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

Background: Research activity is an important component of postgraduate training in medical institutions. However, only a few residents of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital were able to publish research papers. Lack of funding and time, poor infrastructure, belief about research, and inadequate research knowledge and methodology were reported to be among the hindering reasons. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to conduct research among clinical residents. Methods: Three hundred and forty-four residents from 13 clinical departments were enrolled in a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted during December 2015 - May 2016. Participants of this study were determined using convenient sampling technique. This means that residents who showed willingness to participate in the study were included. Data were collected using standardized field tested questionnaire. After collecting the responses they were entered into SPSS (version 20) software. Descriptive statistics, one sample-T, and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to analyze the data and report the finding. Results: Mean Knowledge score was 34.6% for all participants. Knowledge score was significantly better among females compared to males (p-value < 0.01 (95% CI: 0.32-0.85). Attitude towards research undertaking was positive with mean score of 3.8 (95 % CI: 3.75-3.86). Research practice (presentations and previous publications) were found to be very low (27.6% and 2% respectively). Research training received during graduate training was positively correlated with publications (practice) (p < 0.01). Inadequate financial and mentor support as well as lack of access to research equipment were found to be the main barriers the study participants face to conduct clinical research. Conclusion: Participants' attitude towards research was positive, but their knowledge of research made their practice inadequate. There is a need for filling the gap between high level of positive attitude, low research knowledge and low research practice. This can perhaps be achieved through increasing their training during their graduate studies. Improving research equipment and the resident's access to financial and better research mentorship are recommended to raise their knowledge and research practice.