Abstract
Introduction: Research is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, and identifying its challenges is of paramount importance, particularly in developing universities and underserved regions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the barriers to research activities from the perspective of students at Bam University of Medical Sciences.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025. Based on Morgan’s table, the sample size was estimated at 281; however, data from 282 participants were ultimately included in the analysis. Eligible students were selected using a proportionate stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics and three domains of barriers (individual, organizational, and cultural), and was scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS version 27.
Results: Among the 282 final participants, 53.5% were female, and 23.4% had prior research experience. Findings revealed that “cultural factors” obtained the highest barrier score with a mean and standard deviation of (3.90±0.68). This was followed by “organizational factors” (3.66 ± 0.50) and “individual factors” (3.52 ± 0.52). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed between gender and the mean score of individual barriers (P = 0.005).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, despite the barriers being evaluated at a moderate level, promoting student research requires a comprehensive and systematic approach. Such an approach should simultaneously strengthen students’ individual skills, develop organizational infrastructures, and institutionalize a research-oriented culture within the academic environment.
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