Predictors of research self efficacy in first-year osteopathic medical students

Background: There has been a decline in the number of physician-scientists which has promoted interest in developing research initiatives for students in medical school. While it is unclear what might promote student success in research endeavors, it has been postulated that research self-efficacy (RSE) may be contribute to student engagement in research. It is thus important to consider what factors contribute to student engagement in research in the early years of medical training. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess first-year osteopathic medical students’ (OMS) attitudes towards research and identify factors contributing to RSE. Methods: Data were collected from 357 first-year OMS via an online questionnaire on attitudes of and opinions towards research. Multiple regression modeling was used to determine if certain attitudinal factors would be associated with RSE. Hypothesis testing was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and multiple regression analysis. Results: Regression modeling successfully explained 33% of the variance in predicting RSE: F(4,350) = 44.475, p < 0.001 with an R² of 0.337 (adj. R² = 0.329). Greater security in understanding research, greater belief in ability to conduct research, feeling research was important in their future career, and wanting more research education and opportunities while in medical school contributed to greater RSE. Conclusions: Evidence-based medicine and the importance of research continue to influence osteopathic education and medical practice. Cultivating RSE should be a goal for medical educators as they design curricular initiatives to facilitate critical thinking and improve chances to apply research skills in residency and beyond.