Abstract
Background: Understanding attitudes toward research is vital as positive attitudes may help students master their research targets, whereas having a negative attitude may serve as a barrier. Previous studies have concluded that the attitude a student has toward research may impact the educational process and academic performance. Chiropractic students have to complete a master’s degree as a requirement to qualify as a practitioner. There is a limited scope of research on the attitudes of chiropractic students toward research and further studies are needed to understand the attitudes students have toward research.
Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the attitudes toward research of chiropractic students registered at the University of Johannesburg.
Method: This research was a a cross-sectional, quantitative study, with the use of an online self-administered questionnaire distributed to undergraduate (Bachelor of Health Science) and postgraduate (Master of Health Sciences) Chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg. A link to the survey, including the information letter and consent form, was sent to the class groups of each academic year via a short URL link. The survey consisted of 6 sections measuring various factors that may influence attitudes. The participants remained anonymous throughout the process and participation was voluntary and confidential. The survey took approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Results: The survey received a response rate (n=121, 47.27%). This study produced a greater response rate from the female population (78.50%, n=95). The mean age in this study was found to be 22.88 years old. There were 52.10% (n=63) registered in the BHSc degree whilst 47.90% (n=58) of the participants were registered in the MHSc degree. Most of the participants found research to be mandatory at a university level (n=107, 88.40%). Participants agreed (n=83, 68.60%) that the research dissertation in the chiropractic degree is necessary. There was no significant correlation between sex and the specific factors affecting attitudes. Females had more negative attitudes toward research with significantly higher anxiety and emotional scores than males. Undergraduate students had an overall positive attitude toward research compared to postgraduate students. Faculty involvement was found to be important in all participants.
Conclusion: Chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg view research as necessary and useful, with an overall positive attitude toward it. Attitudes toward research are unaffected by background and demographics. Faculty infrastructure and involvement are deemed significant to students in the research process.
Keywords: Attitudes, Chiropractic, Research, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Education