Abstract:
Background: Training for research skills and practicing of research early in career has increased to resolve the health care problems and help physicians in taking career decisions. But, unfortunately, number of researchers has declined significantly in the last decades especially in developing countries.Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude towards scientific research among medical students in Ain Shams University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to November 2016. Convenient sample of medical students from each grade (1^st grade to 6^th grade)  were asked to participate. Data were collected via a predesigned, pretested and validated self-administered questionnaire including 3 parts about sociodemographic data, knowledge and attitude towards research questions. Results: A total 312 questionnaires were completed. Students showed moderate level of knowledge and attitude (mean score 43.4 + 22.5 and 45.8 + 18.6, respectively). knowledge improved significantly with increasing years of study (higher among Students of 6th, 5th and 4th grades than other grades) and Male students knowledge was higher than females. While students of 3rd and 1st grades showed high attitude towards practicing research than other grades. Conclusions: There is a gap in students' knowledge and attitude towards research.There is need to improve the existing medical education curriculum to foster research culture among students. Also, there is need to encourage students to carry out research through active participation in research projects in university.