Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Students Regarding Research and its Related Factors in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2018, Mashhad, Iran

Research-based education is an important indicator of higher education and research status in every country and it is regarded as the main criterion of its development. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of medical students in relation to research and its related factors in 2018.

The current study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted on 431 students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The participants of the present study were selected using cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire with four sections of demographic characteristics, knowledge measurement, attitude measurement, and research performance. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) using descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Likert spectrum tests).

Based on the findings of the present study, 78.4% of the participants had a very good attitude, 92.3% poor knowledge, and 58.5% poor performance toward research. Lack of study on statistical methods, participation in research and article writing courses, and non-participation in even one research project in 60-75% of students were observed. No statistically significant relationship was detected between students' attitudes and their gender, knowledge and academic level, and research performance and the employment status of the students (P<0.05).   

Results of the present study indicated poor knowledge and performance of the students in researching, as well as their lack of familiarity with the role and duties of the research centers in the universities. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to broaden the students' knowledge of research.