Medical students' perceptions, experiences, and barriers towards research implementation at the faculty of medicine, Tanta university

BACKGROUND

Research is essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. However, research capacity and output are low in low- and middle-income countries due to various challenges, including a lack of research training among medical students. Integrating research training into undergraduate medical curricula can help address this issue.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 among 462 undergraduate medical students at Tanta University, Egypt to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward conducting research. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Nearly half (49.8%) of the students had an acceptable level of knowledge about research concepts while over two-thirds (66.2%) had a positive attitude. The most common barriers were lack of funding, time, and training in research methods. Previous research training was reported by 66.7% of students, but less than half had participated in or presented research. Students in the competency-based program had significantly higher knowledge and more positive attitudes than those in the mainstream program. Knowledge level was positively correlated with attitude.

CONCLUSION

While attitudes were generally positive, improvements are needed in research training and opportunities among undergraduate medical students at Tanta University to help address low research capacity challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Integration of formal research training into the curriculum may help increase knowledge and participation in research.

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Developed During COVID-19 and Their Impact on the Academic Performance of Egyptian College Students.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1875405/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased levels of anxiety and depression among the public; however, the impact on the faculty of medicine students in Egypt with respect to academic achievement has not been well-documented.Objective: Assessment of the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical college students in Egypt during COVID-19 pandemic and impact thereof on their academic achievement.Participants: 396 college students participated in this study and filled the questionnaire representing Egypt governates.Methodology:An online survey was conducted via Google Forms addressing undergraduate students of all medical fields belonging to all Egyptian universities. A previously validated questionnaire sheet containing standardized scale for anxiety and depression, named Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) form is used in this study.Results and Conclusion: Among the 396 participants, 28.5% experience symptoms of anxiety, and 35.6% are considered to have developed anxiety disorder. With respect to depressive symptoms, 21.2% are borderline and 38.1% experience actual depressive symptoms. However, there has been no significant association between these mental health issues and academic achievement. Families with sufficient savings and income as well as male students have fallen among the protective factors. High prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety among medical students during COVID 19 pandemic is alarming. Evidently, there is no significant impact on students’ academic performance; nevertheless, further studies are required to detect the long-term impact of this pandemic on student performance.