Factors Predictive of Medical Student Involvement in Research: Results from a New Zealand Institution

Background: Previous studies have elucidated several benefits of engagement in research by medical students. The aim of the current study was to assess if any factors influenced the student's actual involvement (not mere interest) in scholarly activities during medical school. Methods: All medical students at the University of Otago were invited via e-mail to complete an online questionnaire. The outcome was a substantial contribution to a research project. The predictors were prior research experience, student's entry route, and planned career type. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to control for any confounding factors influencing medical students' involvement in research. Results: Valid responses were gathered from 669 students (yielding a response rate of 44.8%). Of those, 254 students (38.3%) had engaged in one or more research activities. Students who engaged in research activities indicated a higher likelihood of future involvement in research but expressed less interest in internal medicine sub-specialties as potential future careers. Conclusion: A sizeable proportion of our samples has been involved in the research. Targeting medical students not yet involved in research may necessitate additional curricular and faculty support in order to stimulate their research curiosity.

Automated summary

The study found that a considerable proportion of medical students have been involved in research activities, and those engaged in research are more likely to continue in the field in the future, although they show less interest in internal medicine sub-specialties as potential future careers. Targeted curricular and faculty support may be necessary to encourage research curiosity in students who have not yet been involved in research.