Factors Associated with Research Non Participation among Undergraduate Medical Students at a Medical College in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Medical undergraduates are the future of evidence-based practice, but globally, they are poorly engaged in research, with limited data from India on predictors of non participation. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) and barriers to research among Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and identify factors associated with non participation in research. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India, from September 2024 to November 2024, among 294 randomly selected medical undergraduates at GMC Patiala. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, research practices, and perceived barriers. Content validity of the instrument was established through formal evaluation by an expert panel comprising three senior faculty members from the Department of Community Medicine, after which it was pilot-tested on a separate cohort of medical undergraduates to ensure clarity and face validity. The data were analysed using Excel and Jamovi software through the Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariable logistic regression tests. Results: Among 294 medical undergraduates surveyed (Phase-II: 152; Phase-III Part 1: 74; Phase-III Part 2: 68), a distinct intentionparticipation gap emerged: 76.5% were willing to conduct research, yet 79.9% had never participated. While 72.1% supported the research, 43.9% viewed it as a burden. Notable knowledge gaps existed regarding data analysis software (27.6% awareness) and Indian Council of Medical Research–Short-Term Studentship (ICMR-STS) (50.7%). Although a lack of guidance (n=197) and a lack of time (n=185) were the primary descriptive barriers, personal research interest moderately correlated with support for curricular inclusion (r=0.558, p<0.001). In the regression model, not approaching professors was the strongest independent negative predictor of participation (p<0.001), whereas ICMR-STS awareness was a significant positive predictor. Phase-II students demonstrated significantly lower adjusted odds of engagement compared to Phase-III Part-II. Conversely, perceived barriers like lack of time were not statistically significant independent predictors in the final model. Conclusion: A substantial gap between the high intention to conduct research and actual research participation exists among undergraduate medical students. Structured mentorship programmes, dedicated research time, and the curricular integration of research methods training may improve undergraduate research participation and support the development of future physician-investigators.