Assessment of current knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare providers toward medical research in southwest Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Medical research is an essential in the medical field, which refers to use scientific methods to obtain better information with respect of human diseases, optimal treatment, prevention of diseases, and health promotion Objectives: the current study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare providers (HCPs) toward medical research, motivating factors, and barriers that prevent them from conducting research, and identify associated factors with good knowledge and practice, and positive attitude. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a validated questionnaire was employed to gather data on the KAP of HCPs as well as the motivating factors and barriers that prevent from conducting research. Proportion (%), and median (IQR) were used to represent the data. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify associated factors with good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice. Results: A total of 285 HCPs were included in the final analysis. Median (IQR) of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 43% (14%–57%), 100% (80%–100%), and 59% (33%–83%); respectively. The most reported motivators were strength the resume (91.80%) and fulfillment of work requirements (90.80%). The most reported barriers were lack of financial support (82.3%), poor time management (78.7%), no enough research facilities (75.2%), lack of motivation (74.8%), inadequate skills and knowledge (72.3%), and lack of rewards (71.6%). Good knowledge was significantly associated with taken research methodology course and qualification. Positive attitude was significantly associated with working place and qualification. Nationality and taken research methodology course were significantly associated good practice. Conclusion: Although HCPs showed a positive attitude towards medical research, their knowledge and practice were poor. They are necessarily needed to amelioration. This amelioration can be achieved through effective and regular research methodology courses, workshops, and enhancement the research environment.