Medical students’ perceptions on research : results from a small European island state

Abstract

Background: A crucial aspect of medical education is research training. Many studies have been conducted targeting the publishing rate among medical students, but information is lacking about the perceptions of medical students towards research, especially of students studying in small island states. This study aims to investigate students’ perceptions towards research and increase the insight on what motivates and hinders medical students to conduct research. Methods: An anonymous mixed-methods cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to five hundred and fortynine medical students studying at the University of Malta. The data gathered was statistically analysed and consequently interpreted. Results: A response rate of 25.05% was achieved, with 10.00% of students having already published their research. Despite 86.43% of students interested in conducting research, only 22.86% have pursued a research endeavour. The main reason for conducting research was ‘out of students’ own interest’. The main barrier hindering students from conducting research was perceived as the absence of research opportunities. Discussion: Medical students have a positive attitude towards the conduction of research, to enhance their medical education. Hence, identification of potential barriers hindering medical students from conducting research should be sought out and hands-on research opportunities should be provided, on an elective basis, to pursue their research interest.