Knowledge, attitudes and practices about research misconduct among medical residents in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background With the emergence of numerous scientific outputs, growing attention are paid to research misconduct. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices about research misconduct among medical residents in Southwest China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in southwest China from November 2022 through March 2023. The links to the questionnaire were sent to the directors of the teaching management department in 17 three tertiary hospitals. Answers were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with research misconduct among residents. Results 6200 residents were enrolled in the study, and 53.7% admitted to have committed at least one form of research misconduct. Postgraduate or above, publishing papers as the first author or corresponding author, attending a course on research integrity, lower self-reported knowledge regarding research integrity and lower perceived consequences for research misconduct were positively correlated with research misconduct. Serving as a primary investigator for a research project was negatively associated with research misconduct. Most residents (66.3%) agreed the reason for research misconduct that researchers lack research ability. Conclusions This study shew a high self-reported rate of research misconduct among residents, and research misconduct knowledge and perceived consequences for research misconduct were necessary to be improved. “Researchers lack research ability” was the primary reason for research misconduct among residents. More training focusing on misconduct knowledge and consequences for research misconduct should be conducted to improve research integrity.