Abstract
Objectives:To determine knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students and interns towards research, to identify factors affecting research knowledgeand to improve research knowledge among a group of new graduates through a research methodology educational intervention course.
Methodology: Both cross-sectional study and intervention educational program were conducted in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah in 2012. A total of 260 medical students and interns were selected usingmultistage stratified random sample. A pre-constructed,confidential, validated, self-administered questionnaire inquiring about research's knowledge, attitudes and practice was used. Pre-test and Post-Test assessment were done for 33 newly graduates.
Results: The cross-sectionalstudy revealed that knowledge about research was generally low. Study participants who received research training and conducted researches had significantly higher knowledge score compared to others (p<0.05). Positive research attitude was present. Regarding practice, 38.1 % of medical students and interns participated in researches and 5.8 % published a scientific paper. Marked improvement of mean knowledge score occurred after the educational program (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Low knowledge, positive attitudes and fair practice prevailed from the cross-sectional part. Intervention program was successful in improving research knowledge.