Prevalence and Factors associated with research misconduct among faculty in selected public universities in Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

We report the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported research misconduct (RM) among 70 faculty members across two public universities in Eastern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, anonymized self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Scientific Misconduct Questionnaire–Revised (SMQ-R). Data were analyzed using STATA version 16.0. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of RM. The overall prevalence of self-reported RM, defined as engagement in any one of fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (FFP), was 31.4% (22/70). Plagiarism and falsification were each reported by 20.0% of participants, while fabrication was reported by 1.4%. Most respondents were male (72.9%), held master ’s-level qualifications (70.0%), and had received prior ethics training (81.4%). In multivariate analysis, prior ethics training (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.07–0.98; p = 0.046) and the perception that RM is unacceptable (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.07–0.98; p = 0.046) were independently associated with lower odds of self-reported RM. These findings indicate that RM is relatively common among faculty in Eastern Uganda, even among those with ethics training. Strengthening institutional ethics training and investing in anti-plagiarism systems may help reduce the occurrence of RM. A multifaceted approach is needed to foster research integrity within academic institutions.