Assessing research engagement of resident doctors in training in Northwestern Nigeria
Shehu Salihu Umar1, Zaharadeen Shuaibu Babandi2, Auwal Garba Suleiman2, Umar Muhammad Umar2, Abdulhakeem Abayomi Olorukooba2, Aisha Jamila Ahmad3, Bilqis O Muhammad4, Abubakar Ibrahim Umar5, Adam Ahmad6, Lawson O Obazenu7
1 Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria 2 Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria 4 Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria 5 Department of Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria 6 Department of Anaesthesia and ICU, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria 7 Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Shehu Salihu Umar Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/NJM.NJM_214_20
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Background: Residency training develops trainees to practice evidence-based medicine using knowledge acquired through researches. Resident doctors are not just expected to be consumers of good researches but are also expected to build their competencies in conducting researches in their fields of specialization. They are expected to engage in journal clubs as well as scientific paper presentations in local and international conferences under the mentorship and guidance of their trainers. In addition, trainers in residency training supervise the compulsory dissertation of senior residents under them. Objectives: We aimed to assess research engagement of resident doctors in training and pattern of submission and approval of their dissertation proposal. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional descriptive study involving resident doctors in accredited hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to respondents via their verified electronic media contacts. Data were collected within a period of 1 month from July 10 to August 6, 2020. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, simple tables as well as Z-test and Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for decision purposes. Results: A total of 120 questionnaires were completed. The mean age of respondents was 38.0 ± 3.8 years, with majority being males 88 (83.3%), and 107 (89.2%) being married. Only 12 (10%) and 44 (36.7%) respondents had published manuscript before and since commencement of residency training, respectively. There was a significant difference between manuscript publication before and since commencement of residency training (P = 0.012). Only 32% of the respondents who submitted their dissertation proposal to the colleges did so within 12 months of success in their Part 1 fellowship examination. There was no association between the publication of manuscript during residency training and submission of dissertation to either National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (P = 0.190), West African College of Surgeons (P = 0.686), or West African College of Physicians (P = 0.317). Conclusion: Research engagement by resident doctors from this study was not satisfactory. Publication of manuscript by resident doctors was associated with prior publication before commencement of residency training and type of training hospital.
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