Resident physician’s knowledge and attitudes toward biostatistics and research methods concepts

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of resident physicians toward biostatistics and research methodology concepts. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study between November 2014 and October 2014 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all participants. The response rate was 90%. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two resident completed the questionnaire. Most residents were well-informed in basic concepts, such as, “P” values, study power, and case control studies; more than half had confidence in interpreting the results of scientific papers. Conversely, more than 67% of the residents were not knowledgeable on more sophisticated terms in biostatistics. Residents with previous training in evidence-based medicine (EBM) (p=0.05) and non-specialist residents (p=0.003) were more likely to have better knowledge scores. Females (p=0.003), and those with previous training in biostatistics and epidemiology had positive attitude toward biostatistics (p<0.001 in both cases). Residents who read medical journals scored lower than those who never read journals (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Prior courses in EBM, as well as male gender were associated with knowledge scores. Reinforcing training after graduation from medical school with special focus on integrating biostatistics with epidemiology and research methods is needed.