Research experience, attitude, and perceived barriers among emergency medicine residents in Kuwait: a crosssectional study

Abstract

Objective:  This study aimed to explore the research status of residents in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine (KBEM) program and also evaluated their involvement in research activities, highlighting barriers that influence involvement in research. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents enrolled in the KBEM residency program. All residents were invited to participate. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire assessing demographics, previous research experience, attitude toward research, perceived barriers, and recommendations for improving research involvement. Results: Among 50 eligible residents, 40 completed the survey (80% response rate). Participants were predominantly female (60%) and senior residents (60%). Overall attitudes toward research were positive, with senior residents showing significantly greater agreement on one attitude item compared with junior residents (4.46 ± 0.51 vs. 4.13 ± 0.89; p = 0.009). Key barriers included limited time, insufficient research training, and inconsistent mentorship. Additional research training and workshops were the most commonly recommended intervention (55.6%), followed by financial support and protected research time (16.7% each). Conclusion: KBEM residents demonstrated positive attitude toward research; however, their involvement remain affected by barriers related to time, training, and mentorship. Structured research training, protected time, formalized mentorship, and improved research infrastructure might facilitate resident participation in scholarly activity.