AWARENESS, INTEREST AND LIMITING FACTORS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH: MEDICAL STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE IN A NORTH INDIAN MEDICAL COLLEGE

Introduction: In recent times there is decline in the number of clinicians involved in research activities all over the world including India. A medical student having the knowledge of scientific concepts along with his clinical experience can serve a key role in the advancement of medical science. Introduction of research methodology at an early stage will help medical students to inculcate the aptitude of evidence-baseddecision-making in their clinical practice.

Methods: We designed a cross-sectional study, in which 198 students (98 female and 100 male) from the 1^st year M.B.B.S batch of Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate institute of medical sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India, completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their awareness, interests and possible limitations in medical research.

Results: Out of 198 students, more females were aware about the scope of research in medical education than males. Females showed more interest in participating in Under Graduate research projects as compared to males. Lack of time and burden of studies were considered limiting factors more in females than males Students coming from rural background were lagging behind the ones from urban background in their awareness and interest in research.

Conclusion: Though majority of students were aware and showed interest in participating in research activities, lack of time and burden of studies were the major limiting factors in their research participation.