Assessing the Awareness of Egyptian Medical Students about Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Ethics: Impact of an Educational Campaign

Account Res. 2016;23(4):199-218. doi: 10.1080/08989621.2015.1127762.

Abstract

This is a quasi-experimental pre-post assessment study utilizing an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to assess Egyptian medical students' awareness about responsible conduct of research (RCR) and research ethics. Students' were assessed before and after an RCR awareness campaign. Our results showed that most of the pre-campaign respondents were not familiar with the basic principles and terms of RCR. An increase in the awareness about RCR across all discussed topics was noted following the campaign. We concluded that an educational awareness campaign is effective in increasing medical students' awareness about RCR and should be incorporated into current medical school curricula in Egypt.

Keywords: Egypt; medical students; plagiarism; research misconduct; responsible conduct.

MeSH terms

  • Awareness
  • Biomedical Research / education*
  • Biomedical Research / ethics*
  • Curriculum
  • Developing Countries
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods
  • Educational Measurement
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Students, Medical / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult