Assessing Attitudes, Perceptions, and Barriers to Medical Research Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Ghana Medical School

Abstract

Medical research is vital for advancing healthcare, fostering critical thinking, and enhancing scientific understanding. Despite its importance, medical students often encounter challenges that hinder their engagement in research activities. This study investigates the attitudes, perceptions, and barriers to medical research among undergraduate students at the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, affiliated with UGMS. The study population included undergraduate medical students from levels 100 to 600, ensuring a comprehensive understanding across different stages of medical education. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire, which included sections on demographic data, attitudes and perceptions toward research, and barriers to research. A snowballing technique was employed to recruit participants via social media platforms. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Microsoft Excel, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests used to identify significant patterns and associations. The study included 256 participants, with a balanced gender distribution (51.6% female, 48.4% male). The results revealed that 92.8% of students acknowledged the critical role of research in the medical field and 84.0% perceived research as beneficial for their careers. However, 68.8% of students reported inadequate time for research due to the demanding nature of their curriculum. Additionally, only 15.2% felt they received adequate training in research methodology, and mentorship availability was deemed insufficient by 50.4% of respondents. Gender differences were observed, with female students facing additional challenges balancing research with other responsibilities. While UGMS students generally have a positive attitude toward medical research, significant barriers impede their active participation. Key challenges include time constraints, inadequate research training, and insufficient mentorship. Addressing these barriers through curricular reforms, enhanced research training, and robust mentorship programs is crucial for fostering a research-oriented culture and equipping students for future academic and clinical careers. Ensuring equitable research opportunities for all students, particularly addressing gender disparities, is essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.