ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL STUDENTS' INTEREST IN RESEARCH IN CENTRAL INDIA

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Research plays a vital role in medical profession as far as patient care is concerned. Hence, this study was undertaken with objective of assessing awareness regarding research in medical students of Central India and their interest, involvement, and barriers in research activities with emphasis on need of research in medical curriculum. MATERIAL & METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study carried out on 475 MBBS students, selected by simple random sampling from January-June 2013. Data was collected and analyzed for percentage, mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: 94.7% students responded, 99.5% students were aware about research, and 94% students were interested in research, 99.3% thought that research is important in medical field and 91.3% were willing to contribute to research project. Barriers for research were no extra time for research (62.6%) and lack of guidance (21.5%). 84.4% students agreed that research should be included as a part of medical curriculum. CONCLUSION: The study showed that majority of students were aware of research and interested in research, but some significant barriers were deterring them from active participation in research. Barriers need to improve properly to promote research in medical students and research should be incorporated in medical curriculum.