Attitude, knowledge, and barriers towards research analysis and writing in Saudi Arabia

Conducting research requires the integration of certain levels of practice and knowledge, together with the right attitude. This study aimed to investigate the attitude, knowledge, and barriers regarding research analysis and writing among medical residents in Saudi Arabia.

This was an online-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Our targeted population was Saudi medical residents who were enrolled in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Data were analyzed and compared to determine associations between the patients' demographics and attitude, knowledge, and barriers.

A total of 218 participants were ultimately included in the present study, with a mean age of 29 (± 2.6) years, and most participants (63.3%) had a previous research publication. Specialty and level of residency were the only significant factors that were associated with attitude (P = 0.023 and 0.046, respectively). Specialty and having previously published a research paper were the only factors that were associated with the knowledge scores (P = 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). On the contrary, specialty was the only significant factor that was associated with barriers scores (P = 0.001). Regarding attitude scores, most residents (60.1%) had 26%-50%, while only 0.9% had >75% of the total score. Regarding knowledge scores, 38.1% of residents had ≤25% and only 7.8% had >75% of the total scores. Regarding barriers, most residents (73.4%) had 26%-50%, while none had >75% of the total scores.

Reduced awareness regarding research methodology in our population implies that further education measures should be undertaken.