Year: 2026 | Month: November | Volume: 16 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 29-36
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20261104
Medical Research Outlook Among Residents: A Revealing Study
Yesvant Singh1, Tanvi2, Ayesha Imran3, Minakshi Singh4
1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
2Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
3Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Tanvi
ABSTRACT
Background: Medical research is an essential component of evidence-based healthcare, contributing to improved clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and professional development. Research engagement during postgraduate medical training is crucial for developing critical appraisal skills and strengthening the future medical research workforce.
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding medical research among resident doctors at a tertiary care teaching hospital and identify barriers to research participation.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among resident doctors at Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, from January to March 2026. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, research practices, and perceived barriers. Of 110 questionnaires distributed, 90 completed responses were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.
Results: The response rate was 81.8%. More than half of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of fundamental research concepts; however, gaps were identified in Vancouver referencing, sampling techniques, and reference management software. Attitudes towards medical research were generally positive, with 86% recognizing its importance in improving patient care, 78% supporting compulsory research training during residency, and 82% advocating dedicated research time. Furthermore, 89% expressed interest in attending periodic research-related seminars. Regarding research practices, 78% had participated in data collection, 57% had experience in research writing, and 62% had presented research papers or posters at scientific meetings. Lack of time (78%) and prolonged postgraduate training and clinical duties (58%) were the most frequently reported barriers.
Conclusion: Resident doctors demonstrated favourable attitudes and reasonable knowledge regarding medical research; however, translation into active research engagement remains suboptimal. Structured research training, protected research time, effective mentorship, and improved institutional infrastructure are essential to strengthen research participation and foster a sustainable research culture during postgraduate medical education.
Key words: Biomedical Research; Internship and Residency; Knowledge; Attitude; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Research.