Factors influencing the choice of clinical research Design among university students: the case of university Of Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract
Conducting research in all study designs is important in clinical research. The purpose
of the study was to assess the various factors that influence the choice of study
designs by postgraduate students of the University of Nairobi. The study assessed
how the level of knowledge, availability of resources, students’ attitudes and students’
mentorship influenced the choice of type of study design.
The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected using self-administered
questionnaires administered to 136 post-graduate students in the college of health
science. Data was presented using tables, and narratives. Data analysis was done by
descriptive, chi-square test and multivariate analysis.
66.2% of the students chose cross-sectional study design. The mean period of training
was 8 months with a SD of 3.98. Both length of training and cost of study had an
association with choice of design at p= 0.000. The preference of Cross-sectional
design was 55.5%. Mentorship influenced 66.3% of respondents in choosing their
study design. The choice of cross-sectional design was associated with training that
covered all steps of conducting cross-sectional survey and the feeling that one could
afford it (p= 0.029 and p=0.001 respectively).
There is need for sufficient training in all study clinical research designs and
improved research infrastructure. Hence all stakeholders ought to take appropriate
steps to ensure that enough opportunities are created for the choice of all research
designs.
Citation
Master Of Arts In Project Planning And Management, University of Nairobi, 2014Publisher
University of Nairobi
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [6020]