Abstract
Background
Although medical research consists of quantitative and qualitative research, the latter is less actively performed; this is also true in family medicine. In Saudi Arabia, the residency program requires family-medicine-residents to perform some research; however, many perform quantitative research. What prevents residents from performing qualitative research? The present study was an attempt to determine this.
Aims
To evaluate the knowledge and barriers in conducting qualitative studies in the family medicine residency program at the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Primary Health Care Centers at the National Guard Health Affairs, the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, including all Family Medicine residents in the third and fourth year who agree to participate. Twenty-one responses were collected from the residents via an electronic questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package Social Sciences) version 24.0.
Results
The majority of participants (90.5 per cent) had research experience and agreed that qualitative research can lead to professional enhancement if supported by carrier advancement, the pursuit of personal interest, and further education. The majority of residents who were not currently involved in research stated that the lack of experience and release time were a great hindrance to performing qualitative research.
Conclusion
Many barriers including lack of training on qualitative study prevented residents from performing qualitative research. More emphasis should be paid on qualitative research in residency.