AN ANALYTICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE RESEARCH APTITUDE AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN MUMBAI

Akash Khobragade*, Sadiq Patel, Sagar Bhagat and Snehal Kosale.

ABSTRACT

Background: Physician-scientist plays key roles in translating progress in basic science into clinical practice. But the recent evidence has shown that there has been a documented decline in the number of physician-scientists in the medical practice. Material and methods: An observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study conducted in the Department of Pharmacology among 600 undergraduate (UG) students. Results: 572 (95.33%) completed questionnaire were Analysed. 181(31.64%) participants knew what scientific research means and what scientific hypothesis is all about was known to 174(30.41%) participants. Only 48 (8.39%) participants knows who gives approval to the scientific study in the institute. 194 (33.91%) participants had idea about scientific writing. 312(54.57%) participants believed that scientific research will contribute to the growing knowledge. 462(80.76%) participants wants to be part of research project during their undergraduate studies. 315(55.24%) participants believes that undergraduate student can plan and conduct a research project by themselves, whereas 432 (75.52%) participants believes that they can write and publish a scientific paper. Only 48 (8.39%) participants want to pursue their career in research. 102 (17.83%) participants have ever participated in a research work. Only 268 (46.85%) participants have ever read a scientific paper and less than that just 78 (13.63%) participants ever wrote a research paper. But majority of the participants, 526 (91.95%) want to read a scientific paper. Conducting workshop and seminar was considered to an important step for creating awareness. Conclusion: Our study showed very little knowledge, reluctant attitude and poor practices of the undergraduate students for research.

Keywords: Research, Undergraduate, Medical.