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.