Undergraduate Medical Research: Perception of First MBBS Students

Abstract

Background: Research is essential for the progress of the medical field. The research base should be developed from the undergraduate level itself. Though there are efforts taken by universities to fund Undergraduate research, the involvement of students is not up to the mark.Objective: The present study was undertaken to observe the perceptions of first-year medical students towards undergraduate research.Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at Alluri Sitaramaraju Academy of Medical Sciences (ASRAM) Medical College, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 80 willing participants of first-year MBBS were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained duly from all participants. A standard questionnaire was given to students to answer by themselves.Results: 90% of students agreed that research helps them for better learning. 91% of students agreed that research upgrades their knowledge. 96% agreed that research is absolutely needed in the medical field. 23% reported that they will opt for research as a career option. 14% reported that they have knowledge about funding agencies of research. 70% of students reported that they need research to be inculcated in the curriculum.Conclusion: The study highlights that there is a strong need to increase awareness about medical research in undergraduate students and motivate them to apply for funding from agencies like Indian Council of Medical Research, Short Term Studentship and from university funding. Further detailed studies are recommended