Perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to research engagement among general medicine undergraduates in a tertiary hospital in Guangdong, China.

Abstract

Background: Research is a critical component of medical education, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice. However, in China, particularly in the context of general practice, undergraduate medical students often face significant barriers to engaging in research. This study aims to assess the perception, attitude, and practice toward research among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary hospital in Guangdong, China, and to identify the barriers they face.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 undergraduate medical students from a tertiary hospital in Guangdong, China, from May to June 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on students' perception, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers toward research.

Results: The majority of students (46.6%) expressed a strong desire to pursue postgraduate studies, while only 25.5% showed a strong interest in participating in research. Key barriers included lack of time (65.5%), insufficient research guidance (56.6%), and limited access to resources (47.8%). Students' self-assessment of their research abilities was generally low, with only 9.5% feeling confident in their ability to handle data. Positive correlations were found between access to research guidance and interest in scientific literature (r = 0.62, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study identifies key areas for improving research training among undergraduate medical students, particularly in general practice programs. It suggests that standardized curricula, enhanced mentorship, and hospital-university research platforms may help address existing gaps. Given the study's limited sample and setting, further research is needed to confirm these findings in broader contexts.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.