Factors contributing to the lack of interest in research activities among postgraduate medical students

Objective: To determine the factors contributing to lack of interest in research activities among postgraduate residents in pediatric medicine.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at The Children’s Hospital Lahore, Pakistan in August 2017. The questionnaire was distributed to 105 postgraduate residents working in pediatric medicine department and 90 of them returned the completed proforma (response rate; 86%). Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22.

Results: Out of 90 residents’ females were predominant (n=58/90; 64.4%). Mean age of the participants was 28.22 ± 2.092 years. Majority were unmarried (n=57; 63.3%). The highest mean score (2.31±0.697) was regarding “Lack of proper training for research”, followed by “lack of previous exposure” (2.26±0.728) and “over loaded curriculum” (2.13±0.753). “Uncooperative faculty” and “funding issues” as a barrier towards research (p=0.016 and 0.014 respectively) was mentioned by males more than females. “Social and family commitment” was a significant perceived barrier in married residents as compared to unmarried residents (p=0.001). The residents in the younger age group were more reluctant to do research due to “over loaded curriculum” (p=0.038).

Conclusion: Lack of proper training of research, lack of previous exposure and time management are the major factors affecting resident’s research work, whereas married residents face more social/family constraints as compare to unmarried residents.