Assessment of self-efficacy regarding publication of findings of undergraduate research projects among pharmacy and medical students

Sohail  Raiz; Wajeeha Zahoor; Kiran Shafiq; Kashif Sohail; Qazi Amir Ijaz; Mateen Abbas

Authors

Sohail Raiz Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
Wajeeha Zahoor Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
Kiran Shafiq Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
Kashif Sohail Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
Qazi Amir Ijaz Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
Mateen Abbas Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad

Keywords:

Self-efficacy, Pharmacy, publication, research

Abstract

Background

University students are dynamic forces to do research and research self-efficacy of students is his confidence in his abilities to conduct meaningful research.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the self-efficacy regarding the publication of findings of undergraduate research projects in pharmacy and medical students.

Methodology

A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and questionnaire-based study was conducted from February to November 2019, and data was collected from 155 final year medical and pharmacy students of four different Medical and Pharmacy Institutes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Akson College of Pharmacy, Mohi-id-Din Islamic medical college, University of Poonch and AJK Medical College. CRAI instrument was the study tool and is scored on an 11-point Likert scale having 15 variables that assess the self-efficacy of undergraduate students regarding reporting and presenting a study that indicates different stages of publication. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 20.

Result:

The total number of students was 155, including 71 male and 84 female students. The overall self-efficacy of undergraduate medical and pharmacy students was considered inadequate. The main problem that occurred that had a significant effect on students' self-efficacy was due to publication factors (P =0.035),i.e., lack of funds, uncooperative supervisor, lack of confidence, no interest in research, and English language barrier. Regarding presenting a study, college (P = 0.009 and 0.000) has a significant effect while faculty type has a significant effect on students reporting a study (P =0.040) as well as on presenting a study (P =0.002 and 0.000).

Conclusion

The self-efficacy of undergraduate students was low. The supervisor should teach them about writing papers, making them understand the process of submitting articles for publication, and proper conferences and seminars are arranged to signify the importance of research publication.