Researching the research: Ophthalmology residents’ perspective

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of research methodology among ophthalmology residents.

The study was conducted by sharing a pretested semi-structured questionnaire to ophthalmology residents using an online Google form. Responses were collected, which were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 28.

In our study, 372 responses were analyzed, and among respondents (71%) were females. Most residents had good knowledge (74.2%) and a positive attitude (91.9%) whereas only 64.5% had a good practice. The poor practice was attributed to barriers like lack of guidance (56.7%), lack of orientation (55%), and lack of time (48.3%). Among the participants, only 43.5% had been part of a research work other than a mandatory dissertation and publication. The practice levels are significantly good in respondents with good knowledge (p=<0.001). Residents who had taken part in research activity in their MBBS course have been considered part of the research work (p <0.001).

In our study, we found that ophthalmology residents had good knowledge and attitude towards research methodology but they were unsuccessful in transforming their good knowledge and positive attitude into a good practice because of barriers like lack of guidance, orientation, and time. There is a necessity to encourage Ophthalmology residents to carry out research by providing proper guidance, funds, conducting more workshops, and including research methodology sessions in all ophthalmic conferences.