Attitude of the students regarding mandatory undergraduate research study in Physiotherapy

Introduction: Research is one of the key distinguishing features of an academic institution. The nature of work and poor information retrieval habits even in developed settings makes it difficult to recruit already qualified health professionals into research. The alternative is to equip students so that at the time of qualifying they are conversant with various aspects of research methodology. Maharashtra University of Health Sciences has introduced an observational study to be conducted by final year physiotherapy students in the subject of Physiotherapy in Community Health. The purpose of this study is to identify the perception of the students regarding, undergraduate research Programme in terms of their interest, feasibility and, applicability. Our hypothesis was that the students are satisfied with the project allotted.

Methodology: This study was conducted as an observational study, using a self-administered questionnaire. The study was carried out between July 2008 - December 2009 on three separate occasions, for three different batches.

Result: The highest percentage rating was given to the point of inclusion of this kind of activity in the undergraduate curriculum, followed by theoretical introduction about the conducting of the same.

Conclusion: It was concluded that students had a positive attitude towards a mandatory project in their final year.