Factors contributing to lack of interest in research among medical students.
BACKGROUND
Research experiences early in the medical student's education are an important factor for attracting a greater number of doctors to careers with a research component.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the factors contributing to a lack of enthusiasm about research activities among medical students, and to suggest ways to help students develop an interest in research.


METHODS
A medical institution-based, case-control study was conducted. A case was defined as any fourth year medical student who believed that undertaking research was not interesting; controls were matched for age and sex. A pretested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was used; the data were analyzed using statistical methods.


RESULTS
In all, 122 students (54% male, 46% female) were recruited to the study. Factors found to be significant were lack of Internet facilities (odds ratio 0.218) and considering research useless (odds ratio 4.570).


CONCLUSIONS
Measures should be taken at undergraduate level to involve students in research activities. Ensuring easy access to Internet facilities could be one positive step. Further research should be done to explore the reasons why some medical students consider research useless.
King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan ; Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ali Sibtain Farooq
AS
Sheikh
Saman Ali
SA
Sheikh
Ahmad
A
Kaleem
Ahmad
A
Waqas
lack of interest; medical students; physician-scientists; research