Research during pediatric residency: predictors and resident-determined influences

Participation in research during residency is thought to be a strong predictor of future research activity; however, the proportion of residents who actually engage in research is small. This study examined (1) which factors are associated with research during residency; (2) which factors influence residents' abilities to conduct research; and (3) the number of residents conducting research in a research-oriented training program.

One hundred fifteen pediatrics residents were asked at a housestaff retreat to complete a questionnaire about their attitudes toward research. Comparisons between those who were or were not conducting research during residency were made using chi-square or Fisher exact tests; stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with conducting research during residency.

The response rate was 95% (n = 110, or 82% of the residency program). Respondents were representative of postgraduate year, gender, and residency track. Although 92% of respondents reported having conducted research before residency, only 18% were currently involved in research (p <.001). Fifty-five percent reported interest in conducting research. Advanced degrees and future career plans influenced their decisions to do research (p <.05). Respondents were more likely to conduct clinical research than basic science or laboratory-based research (14% versus 3% of all respondents, p =.007). The most commonly identified influences to conducting research were availability of time (97%), personal interest in research (84%), availability of opportunities (76%), and mentors on hand (72%).

Interest in research during residency is high, but participation in research is low. There are several influences to the types and amounts of research conducted during pediatrics residency.