Perception about scientific research between UNITEC´´´´s health sciences students

Abstract

Introduction. The development of research capacity in health students may happen during the course of undergraduate studies. The study aim was to evaluate the perceptions towards scientific research by health sciences students. Methods. Descriptive study applied by a questionnaire of 45 questions to 120 students of the health sciences careers at Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC). The instrument, with its items on Likert scales (1 to 5) was validated using α Cronbach. The sample size was calculated by probabilistic estimation with a confidence level of 95%. Data were collected in June 2019. Results. The validation of the instrument was α Cronbach = 0.795. On average, four out of every five students indicated that they had some motivation to do scientific research, especially those in physical therapy and rehabilitation (100% with a positive response). In multivariate analyses, female students showed greater interest in research (β = 0.086, p <0.05). On the other hand, the variables related to time (β = -0.094, p <0.05) and critical thinking (β = -0.137, p <0.05) required for research had a negative contribution to the student perception of scientific research. Conclusion. Medical students were more willing to develop research. Faculty guidance and the inclusion of research activities are permanently needed in health science courses at Honduran universities.