Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward research among Oman medical specialty board residents

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has mandated residency programs to teach the basic principles of research in residency programs. This study aimed to assess the research knowledge, attitude, and practice among the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) residents. Secondarily, it aimed to asses associations between different factors and research-related knowledge, attitude, and practice.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among all residents who were involved in OMSB various training programs in the academic year 2018/2019. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Hard copies of the questionnaire were delivered to residents in addition to the online forms. Data were entered using EpiData entry software and analyzed using SPSS version 24.

A total of 256 residents participated in the study with a response rate of 46.5%. Around 55% of included residents have poor knowledge level, and 44% have moderate knowledge level. The study showed that the majority (93%) of the residents have positive research attitude. However, the practice domain showed that only 27.8% of residents have published articles as first or coauthor. Lack of time was reported as a major hindrance in nearly two-thirds of the residents. Lack of training (56%), lack of research-focused curriculum (47%), and lack of effective supervision (46%) were among major reported obstacles beside others.

This study showed that OMSB residents have inadequate knowledge and lagging research practices, but a positive attitude toward research. This emphasizes the need for research-focused curricula and further training. In addition, applying new regulations, including mandatory manuscript submission, may improve the practice status.