A Cross-sectional Survey on the Pursuit of PhD in Health Sciences Institutions

Abstract

Context: PhD is one of the programs pursued by faculty working in health sciences institutions. It is valuable to know about the perceived challenges and support available for the faculty to pursue PhD. Aims: The aim was to study the factors affecting the pursuit of PhD by faculty employed in institutions offering medicine and dentistry in the state of Karnataka. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 366 faculty across 22 medical and 12 dental institutions. Subjects and Methods: The questionnaire was administered online after content and face validation. Statistical Analysis: The Mann–Whitney U-test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used. Results: Knowledge creation (86.1%), personal career advancement in the form of promotions (75.5%), and contribution to the health of society or community (73.8%) were generally perceived as the motives to pursue PhD. Work commitments in the department (80.6%) and lack of appropriate academic position after completing PhD (79.5%) were identified as the major factors obstructing the enrollment for PhD. Respondents reported that the scientific rigor of research might be undermined by career-related motives (70.7%). Routine professional activities like clinical work (72.7%) and academic work (71.9%) were reported to be adversely affected while pursuing PhD. 68.8% of faculty believed that a PhD holder would be a better researcher. Conclusions: Both personal and altruistic motives influence the pursuit of PhD. Many factors hinder the pursuit of PhD and the conduct of quality research. Institutional support may enhance the enrollment.