Barriers to perform research studies from the perspective of medical students of Khyber Medical College, Peshawar

Abstract Introduction: The pursuit of medical research is a cornerstone of scientific progress and contributes to the development of healthcare systems. Despite the well-known benefits of involving medical students in research, barriers and challenges often hinder their active participation. Objective:This study investigates the barriers hindering medical students at Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, in their pursuit of research opportunities, to facilitate a more research-oriented environment that enhances their scholarly output and contributes to the broader field of healthcare. Methods and Materials: Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 30th May to 30th August involving 264 3rd- to 5th-year MBBS medical students (participants) currently enrolled in Khyber Medical College, Peshawar (Setting). Intervention: The data were collected through a self-administered, validated questionnaire. SPSS version 27.0 was used for analyzing the data. One sample t-tests and ANOVAswere used to assess associations between variables. A P value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The primary outcome measure was the mean score of barriers from the Likert scale used in the questionnaire. A comparison of different categories of barriers was also performed as a part of a secondary outcome measure. Results: The study revealed that medical students at Khyber Medical College encounter significant barriers to research, with an overall mean score of 3.9110 ± 0. 4645. The most significant barriers were the failure to allocate sufficient funds (4.37±0.764) and the absence of a research-oriented culture in society (4.34± 0.794). Conversely, the least prominent barriers were a lack of proficiency in English (3.09±1.248) and inadequate facilities (3.38± 1.357). Conclusion: This study sheds light on the challenges faced by medical students in pursuing research at Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the research culture, educational excellence, and healthcare outcomes.