Original article

Knowledge, attitudes, barriers and engagement in scientific research among medical sciences students in Albania: a cross-sectional study 

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Abstract

Aim: To assess perceived research knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and factors associated with participation in scientific events among medical sciences students in Albania.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 721 Bachelor’s and Master’s students at Albanian universities. A pilot-tested 20-item online questionnaire was used. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests, Welch’s analysis of variance, and fully adjusted multivariable binary logistic regression, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Mean perceived knowledge and attitude scores were 25.7 (range 6–30) and 4.0 (range 0–7), respectively. The most frequent single barriers were limited access to information resources (103; 14.3%) and insufficient interaction with institutional staff (100; 13.9%); 286 (39.7%) selected all listed barriers. University was associated overall with participation (p = 0.012); relative to Fan Noli, the odds were higher at Aleksandër Xhuvani (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.26–4.49) and the University of Medicine, Tirana (aOR = 4.16, 95% CI 1.83–9.46). Lack of institutional motivation (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20–0.48), insufficient literature (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.21–0.42), and perceived knowledge (aOR = 1.13 per point, 95% CI 1.07–1.19) were also associated with participation (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Participation in scientific events was associated with university, institutional motivation, access to scientific literature, and perceived knowledge. Structured research training, mentorship, and access to scholarly resources may support participation, but longitudinal studies are needed to assess causal effects.

 

Keywords: education, medical, research, students, health occupations