Knowledge, attitudes and barriers related to participation of medical students in research in three Arab Universities

Background: Exposure to training in research is essential in the medical curriculum. There have been previous studies which attempted to evaluate the knowledge regarding, and attitude towards medical research in undergraduate medical students in various countries. In this study we attempted to assess the research related knowledge and attitudes across three Arab Universities namely King Faisal University (Saudi Arabia), Arab Gulf University (Bahrain) and Kuwait University (Kuwait).Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which all medical students form 3rd onwards was targeted for inclusion. Anonymous self administered pilot tested questionnaire were used for data collection to assess the students knowledge related to, attitude towards and perceived barriers to scientific research. The attitude and knowledge scores were correlated with other variables e.g. year of study, schooling background and admission score.Results: A total of 423 completed responses were received. The knowledge score was on the lower side- mean of 3.6±1.7 on 10 questions; meanwhile the majority of the students had a positive attitude towards scientific research. Many perceived barriers were highlighted by the students such as a shortage of time and a lack of adequate mentoring.Conclusions: The study showed a moderately high attitude score towards research, but coupled with a low knowledge score. This could be related to various perceived barriers to undergraduate research. These barriers need to be addressed and also integration of research into the undergraduate curriculum is needed to ensure an improvement in the quality and quantity of undergraduate medical research.