Assessment of Medical Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Biostatistics in Research

Abstract

This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students toward biostatistics in research at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 265 medical students participated in a cross-sectional survey, which aimed to evaluate their understanding of biostatistical concepts, their perceptions of the subject’s importance in medical research, and their ability to apply statistical methods in research activities. The results revealed that while most students (73.6%) had a fair or good understanding of biostatistics, 27.2% demonstrated poor knowledge. Despite recognizing the importance of biostatistics for research, 77.7% of students reported finding it difficult, which impacted their application of statistical methods. Only 54.7% of students regularly used statistical methods in research, and 46.8% applied statistical software, with 37% feeling confident in their statistical abilities. The study also identified several barriers to learning and applying biostatistics, including lack of time, difficulty in understanding concepts, and insufficient practical exposure. A positive correlation was found between students’ knowledge of biostatistics and their use of statistical methods in research. These findings highlight the need for a more integrated and applied approach to biostatistics education, emphasizing hands-on experience and the use of statistical software. The study underscores the importance of improving biostatistics education to better equip future medical professionals with the skills needed for evidence-based research and decision-making.