Barriers to undergraduate medical students' research engagement in Pakistan: a qualitative exploration

Engaging in research is a critical component of medical education, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practices. Despite its importance, undergraduate medical students in Pakistan face significant barriers to research engagement. This study explores the challenges hindering their participation in research activities.

A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 45 undergraduate medical and dental students from a public medical university in Pakistan. Participants were purposefully selected to provide diverse perspectives. Data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring barriers and challenges.

Four key themes emerged: (1) Time constraints, as academic workloads and clinical rotations left limited time for research; (2) Lack of extrinsic motivation, knowledge, and research ability, including insufficient training and limited institutional incentives; (3) Inadequate financial assistance and poor maintenance of research facilities, with students highlighting a lack of funding and outdated infrastructure; and (4) Lack of support from research mentors and training, emphasizing the need for effective mentorship and structured research programs. These barriers collectively hinder students' ability to engage meaningfully in research.

The study highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in medical education, including integrating research training into curricula, improving mentorship programs, providing financial and infrastructural support, and incentivizing research participation. Addressing these challenges can foster a culture of inquiry, empowering students to contribute to advancements in medical science.