Attitudes and Influential Factors Affecting Medical Students’ Engagement in Research: A Study in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores what motivates and hinders medical students in Saudi Arabia from engaging in research, finding that career goals and academic year are key factors.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into factors influencing medical student research engagement in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Fifth-year students were significantly more likely to engage in research compared to second-year students.

Admission into residency programs was the top motivator for research involvement among students.

Lack of research knowledge and mentoring were the most frequently reported barriers to engagement.

Abstract

Background: Research engagement among medical students is essential for academic and professional development; however, data on students’ attitudes and factors influencing research participation in the western region of Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to assess attitudes toward research and identify factors influencing research engagement among undergraduate medical students at Umm Al-Qura University and Ibn Sina National College.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among second- to sixth-year medical students using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Data on demographics, research involvement, motivating factors, and perceived barriers were collected. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of research involvement.

Results: A total of 327 medical students participated; 60.9% were female, and 65.1% were enrolled at Umm Al-Qura University. Although 61.5% reported prior research involvement, only 54.1% were currently engaged in research, while 92.4% expressed willingness to participate in future projects. Admission into residency programs was the most influential motivator (51.4%), followed by competition among students. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of research knowledge (49.2%), time constraints (47.1%), and lack of mentoring (46.5%). Research participation was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.008), and academic year (p < 0.001). Fifth-year students had significantly higher odds of research involvement compared to second-year students (OR = 25.5, p < 0.001). GPA was not a significant predictor in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions: Although most students demonstrated a positive attitude toward research, engagement was primarily associated with career-related factors such as residency program requirements and academic competition. Higher participation among senior students suggests that curricular exposure and academic structure play a key role in facilitating research involvement. Addressing identified barriers through structured mentorship and curriculum-integrated research opportunities may enhance meaningful student participation.

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