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PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the perceptions of, barriers to, and predictors of research engagement amongst residents at a national level in Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used REDCap for online survey dissemination to residents from 12 institutes accredited by the national accreditation body (College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan) for core medical and surgical specialties. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between likelihood of publications and participant characteristics. RESULTS: The response rate was 79% (333/423), with 171 (51%) medical and 162 (49%) surgical residents. The mean ± standard deviation age was 28.8 ± 2.7 years; 137 (41%) were males and 195 (59%) females. More than half the residents, 202 (61%), had received research training, but 189 (57%) scored <33% on basic research knowledge. While most residents agreed on the positive impact of research on their careers (P = .012) and realized that they should be involved in it (P = .33), they also strongly believed that it was difficult to engage in research during training (P < .01). Only 60 (18%) trainees had published a paper in local and 37 (11%) in international journals, respectively. The most significant barriers to conducting research included time limitation due to clinical work, lack of financial support, and unavailability of data (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Residents have a positive attitude towards research. However, research engagement among residents is low. Improving research mentorship and creating systems that enable protected time and institutional access to data are needed to increase research output of postgraduate trainees. Key messages What is already known on this topic Postgraduate trainees benefit academically from research conducted during residency training. However, in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, research output among residents has remained low over the years. The nation has consistently produced very little research. What this study adds The current study helped shed light on the reasons for low research productivity amongst medical and surgical residents in Pakistan. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The potential predictors for low research involvement highlighted in this study necessitate modification of the existing national residency curriculum to increase research engagement and productivity among residents. Not only can the potential factors be improved, but the study also helps in bringing stakeholders' attention to increasing research opportunities in Pakistan.
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BACKGROUND: Genetic subsets of oligodendrogliomas (OD) have distinct chromosomal and biophysical profiles. Pretherapeutic tumor grade and genotype analysis is a challenging aspect of management, with 1p/19q codeletion status and grade of oligodendroglioma among the most important considerations for clinical decision making. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-three patients with histopathological diagnosis of oligodendroglioma were selected, and their preoperative 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reviewed through parameters including diffusion weighted image, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). These images were correlated with patients' histopathological and chromosomal testing. Tumor border irregularity, homogeneity, contrast enhancement, and other MRI characteristics were also studied. For analysis, descriptive statistics were generated, and normality was evaluated for ADC value, age, and Ki-67 tumor proliferation index. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the correlation of ADC with Ki-67, grade, and 1p/19q co-deletion in oligodendroglioma at a tertiary care hospital within a low-middle income country. RESULTS: Ki-67 tumor proliferation index was high in 33 tumors. It was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.048) with respect to ADC, showing that 1p/19q co-deleted tumors have a difference in their Ki-67 index. Ki-67 also showed a significant relationship (P < 0.05) with grade of OD. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between 1p19q chromosomal co-deletion and ADC. Linear regression was carried out as the data set was continuous. Univariate analysis showed no significant result with all P values above 0.10. CONCLUSION: Mean ADC is a viable tool to predict Ki-67 and assist prognostic clinical decisions. However, mean ADC alone cannot predict 1p/19q codeletion and tumor grades in OD. Further supplementation with other radiological modalities may provide greater yield and positive results.