Factors associated with scientific publication in Colombian medical students

Abstract

Introduction: In Latin America, the number of students actively participating in projects outside their curriculum is significantly low, and many fewer students are found in groups or seedbeds dedicated to research.

Objective: To identify the dynamics in the context of research development and scientific publication in a population of undergraduate medical students in Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-applied survey on research interests and the number of publications to different medical students from all over the country.

Results: 235 surveys were carried out, 60.9% corresponded to women; the mean age was 21,1 years; the mean number of semesters completed was 6,6 semesters and the mean number of publications was 0,5 publications per student surveyed. Students from 31 universities throughout Colombia were evaluated, 58,3% being public. Of those surveyed, 28,9% had some type of scientific publication. An association was found between publication and greater age (p=0,003), greater academic semester (p<0,001), belonging to a scientific society of medical students (p=0,004), having a manuscript in process of publication (p<0,001), male sex (p<0,010) and presenting research work in a congress (p<0,001). The absence of teaching advice due to the high academic load stands out among the limitations.

Conclusion: The number of students involved in research processes is low, a change of approach is needed in undergraduate medicine to stimulate student participation in research and scientific development.