Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40269854›Full record

ArticleBMC medical education2025

Barriers to undergraduate medical students' research engagement in Pakistan: a qualitative exploration.

Amir Mahmood, Nadia Rehman, Xiao Huang, Irfan Riaz

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC medical education, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 19 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
19citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

19 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Amir MahmoodCollege of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China.
Nadia RehmanCollege of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China. nadiarehman05@zjnu.edu.cn.
Xiao HuangJoint Education Institute of Zhejiang Normal University and University of Kansas, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China. huangxiao@zjnu.edu.cn.
Irfan RiazDepartment of Anesthesiology, Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.

Funding

National Social Science Fund of China BHA210121
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEngaging in research is a critical component of medical education, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practices. Despite its importance, undergraduate medical students in Pakistan face significant barriers to research engagement. This study explores the challenges hindering their participation in research activities.

methodsA qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 45 undergraduate medical and dental students from a public medical university in Pakistan. Participants were purposefully selected to provide diverse perspectives. Data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring barriers and challenges.

resultsFour key themes emerged: (1) Time constraints, as academic workloads and clinical rotations left limited time for research; (2) Lack of extrinsic motivation, knowledge, and research ability, including insufficient training and limited institutional incentives; (3) Inadequate financial assistance and poor maintenance of research facilities, with students highlighting a lack of funding and outdated infrastructure; and (4) Lack of support from research mentors and training, emphasizing the need for effective mentorship and structured research programs. These barriers collectively hinder students' ability to engage meaningfully in research.

conclusionsThe study highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in medical education, including integrating research training into curricula, improving mentorship programs, providing financial and infrastructural support, and incentivizing research participation. Addressing these challenges can foster a culture of inquiry, empowering students to contribute to advancements in medical science.

Indexed as

Biomedical ResearchEducation, Medical, UndergraduateStudents, MedicalAdultCurriculumFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMentorsMotivationPakistanQualitative ResearchYoung AdultResearch barriersResearch EngagementResearch mentorshipUndergraduate medical education

Identifiers

PMID40269854
PMCPMC12016454

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.