Barriers and Constraints in Scientific Manuscript Preparation Among Nephrologists: Insights From India

Introduction: Medical research shapes public health actions, emphasising the need for greater investments in health. Despite a surge in scientific publications, disparities exist in authorship from low-income countries and among female researchers. Addressing these gaps is vital for studying real-world health outcomes and promoting universal healthcare delivery. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study using an online questionnaire to gather data from Indian nephrologists and nephrology fellows was conducted by members of Women in Nephrology, India, from September 2023 to December 2023. The survey collected data on demographics, publication experience and challenges in scientific paper writing. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 25.0, with significance at p < 0.05. Results: The survey included 156 participants, with a mean age of 35.55 ± 8.91 years. The majority were males (55.8%) and practicing nephrologists (69.9%). Most respondents practiced in medical institutions (45.5%) and metropolitan cities (60.3%), with an average practice duration of 12.29 ± 9.12 years. Only 44.9% published their thesis work, and 52.6% preferred writing case reports. Key challenges included time constraints (82.1%), funding (67.9%), limited access to research articles (65.4%), lack of statistical analysis knowledge (64.7%) and limited access to research software (60.2%). Younger nephrologists faced more funding (68.9%) and knowledge-related barriers (74.4%). Discussion: Multiple challenges exist in scientific paper writing among Indian nephrologists, emphasising the need for targeted interventions. Funding for research, burnout and article processing charges are significant barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing research output and improving healthcare outcomes in resource-limited countries.