Basic knowledge and attitudes towards biostatistics in sixth- and seventh-year medical students
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Abstract
Introduction: Biostatistics is essential for evidence-based decision making. Objective:
To assess basic knowledge and attitudes towards biostatistics in senior medical students
and to find correlated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical, observational
study. A total of 202 students were surveyed virtually. Attitudes towards biostatistics
were measured using the Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics-28 and basic knowledge
of statistics using the Novack questionnaire. The covariables were sex, age, academic
year, medical internship, having taken an extracurricular course in biostatistics, use of
statistical software, intention to do a residency, and medical specialty. Correlation
coefficients and score differences were found and, for multivariate analysis, adjusted
regression coefficients (β) with 95%CI were found, using p<0.05 as statistically
significant. Results: 57.9% of respondents were female and the median age was 25
years. The median and interquartile range of the basic knowledge score was 3 (1-4) and
attitude towards biostatistics was 4.6 (4.2-5.0). The factors correlated (adjusted β
[95%CI]) to better knowledge consisted of taking an extracurricular biostatistics course
(0.65[0.07-1.24]) and higher score on the value subscale (SV) of attitude towards
biostatistics (0.33[0.06-0.61]); while for attitude towards biostatistics, older age
(0.04[0.01-0.07]) and handling of statistical software (0.31[0.12-0.51]). Conclusions:
The level of basic knowledge of biostatistics is low, and correlates with taking an
extracurricular course and SV of attitude towards biostatistics. Attitude was positive and
correlated with age and the use of statistical software.
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