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% Cl1.1-11.1]and less likely for those who had 1 or 2 children during residency than those who had none [OR 0.29, 95% Cl0.1-0.8]