Data Sheet 1_Current status of medical research among undergraduate medical students in China: a nationwide questionnaire survey.docx

The increasing demand for physician-scientists highlights the essential role of medical schools in fostering the development of these professionals. This study aims to assess the current status of research engagement, attitudes toward research, and barriers to participation among Chinese undergraduate medical students. A cross-sectional, nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2024 using an online platform, with responses from 3,423 students (effective rate: 87.79%). Furthermore, we have designed a questionnaire among physician-scientists with experience in teaching undergraduates about research at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, resulting in 51 responses being collected. The questionnaires were developed based on existing literature and expert input and underwent pilot testing. Reliability and validity were confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha and KMO-Bartlett tests. Statistical analyses included chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariate regression. Results showed that 70.6% of students had engaged in research at least once, but reported limited exposure and a lack of knowledge as major barriers. Males and preventive and basic medicine students demonstrated higher research interest and participation. Factors such as gender, major, academic year, and prior research involvement significantly influenced students’ attitudes and perceptions of scientific research. The faculty considered the presence of undergraduate research engagements to be a significant assessment criterion. They opined that the prevailing undergraduate research climate was inadequate. The findings underscore the need for structured, competency-based research training and institutional support.

社会对医师科学家（physician-scientist）的需求日益增长，凸显了医学院校在培养这类复合型专业人才过程中的核心作用。本研究旨在评估中国医学本科在校生的科研参与现状、科研态度及参与科研的阻碍因素。
2024年2月，本研究通过在线平台开展了一项全国性横断面问卷调查，共回收学生有效问卷3423份，有效率为87.79%。此外，本研究针对四川大学华西医院具备医学本科生科研教学经验的医师科学家（physician-scientist）群体设计了专属问卷，最终回收有效问卷51份。
两类问卷均基于现有文献与专家意见编制，并完成了预调研；通过克朗巴哈α系数（Cronbach’s alpha）与KMO-巴特利特（KMO-Bartlett）检验验证了问卷的信度与效度。本研究采用的统计分析方法包括卡方检验（chi-square）、方差分析（ANOVA）及多元回归分析。
结果显示，70.6%的医学本科生至少参与过一次科研活动，但多数学生表示科研接触有限、知识储备不足是参与科研的主要阻碍。男性群体及预防医学、基础医学专业学生的科研兴趣与参与度更高。性别、专业、学年及既往科研参与经历等因素，均对学生的科研态度与认知产生了显著影响。
这些教师认为，医学本科生参与科研的情况是一项重要的考核评估指标，同时他们普遍认为当前本科生的科研氛围仍有待完善。
本研究结果凸显了构建系统化、以能力为导向的科研培训体系，并获得院校配套支持的必要性。