Awareness, Attitude and Obstacles in Research among Dental Professionals in Chennai: An Institutional Based Survey

Abstract

Background: Advancement in treatment modalities has improved as a result of research. Individual’s
critical thinking and analysis has enhanced. In the advent of incorporating their clinical trials into practice,
it had greatly improved in treating patients and enhancing patients care.
Aim: To compare the awareness, attitude and obstacles in the field of research among interns, postgraduate
students and faculty members among Dental professionals.
Materials and Method: An institutional based cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among
interns, postgraduates and faculty members of the dental profession. A sample size of 261 was determined.
Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics,chi-square test and student’s t-test were used to analyze the data.
Results: On analyzing the questionnaire, 61.2%of study subjects were currently guiding and undertaking
research projects. Majority of the subjects stated that doing research enhanced their critical thinking and
knowledge. The most common obstacle stated for research was lack of time and lack of financial incentives.
When assessing barriers to publishing an article, it was reported that lack of publication related knowledge
was the most major obstacle in all groups. Majority of the post graduates and faculty members prefer to
conduct recent advance based research; whereas interns prefer to do research based on innovative idea
which was statistically significant.
Conclusion: This research study revealed positive attitude toward research among dental professionals.