Undergraduate publication in Latin America: Difficulties and associated factors among medical students

Abstract

Introduction: The teaching of scientific research within the undergraduate curriculum is a fundamental aspect in student development, and should be a priority for all universities.

Objective: To identify associated factors in scientific publication among medical students from Latin America.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The participants of an extracurricular course coordinated by a scientific society responded continuously for 8 weeks to questionnaires designed by the organising committee of the course.

Results: One hundred and forty-one students were included, 79.43% of whom belonged to a scientific society, 48.94% had presented at least one research project at a scientific congress while 19.15% had at least one scientific publication; cross-sectional studies and letters to the editor were the main type of publication, with a prevalence of 37 and 33%, respectively.

Conclusions: The number of publications in which medical students are included in Latin America is low. Membership in scientific societies, mainly those with student journals, increases the probability of having a higher level of scientific  production.