title: Cognition, comprehension and application of biostatistics in research by Indian postgraduate students in periodontics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Biostatistics is an integral part of research protocols. In any field of inquiry or investigation, data obtained is subsequently classified, analyzed and tested for accuracy by statistical methods. Statistical analysis of collected data, thus, forms the basis for all evidence-based conclusions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate the cognition, comprehension and application of biostatistics in research among post graduate students in Periodontics, in India.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 391 post graduate students registered for a master's course in periodontics at various dental colleges across India were included in the survey. Data regarding the level of knowledge, understanding and its application in design and conduct of the research protocol was collected using a dichotomous questionnaire. A descriptive statistics was used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nearly 79.2% students were aware of the importance of biostatistics in research, 55-65% were familiar with MS-EXCEL spreadsheet for graphical representation of data and with the statistical softwares available on the internet, 26.0% had biostatistics as mandatory subject in their curriculum, 9.5% tried to perform statistical analysis on their own while 3.0% were successful in performing statistical analysis of their studies on their own.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biostatistics should play a central role in planning, conduct, interim analysis, final analysis and reporting of periodontal research especially by the postgraduate students. Indian postgraduate students in periodontics are aware of the importance of biostatistics in research but the level of understanding and application is still basic and needs to be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Jonnalagadda Laxmi
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Swetha
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ramisetti
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arpita
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Chintalapani
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Srikanth
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Rajasekhar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nutalapati
keywords: Cognition; biostatistics; comprehension; periodontics; questionnaire
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