Importance and Understanding of Bio-Statistics among Post Graduate Students at King Edward Medical University Lahore - Pakistan

Abstract

Back ground:  The research in medicine has caused concern among both doctors and bio-statistician for many years ¹. Fundamental concepts of statistics are dire need for medical doctors. If medical doctors do not understand fully the primary concepts of Biostatistics, then the scientific conclusions they reach will be more likely to be wrong ².

Methodology

Study Design:  Cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Total number of respondents: The study was conducted at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Lahore- Pakistan. A questionnaire was e-mailed to 332 post-graduate medical students (doctors, dentists and physiotherapist) in which only 227 responded. The questionnaire was also manually distributed to 110 medical post-graduate students. Consequently, the total number of respondents was 327 (response rate = 74%).

Results:  The mean age of respondents was 31 ± 0.37 years along with the S.D = 6.67 years. There were 198 (60.55%) male and 129 (39.440 female respondents. The basic knowledge of biostatistics among students was not satisfactory. The proportion of students was significant (p-value= 0.00) who were agreed that this course is useful for them and every medical institute should start regular courses on Biostatistics during M.B.B.S.

Conclusion:  Our medical institutes should take a daring step towards the education of Research Methodology and Biostatistics. This subject should be taught in graduation so that the doctors of future may get a significant understanding for exploring, implementing the research and make evidence based decisions.

Key Words:  Medical-statistics, Research Methods and Medical Research.

Words Count:  238.