JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The research highlights the declining engagement of physician-scientists and the challenges young physicians face in participating in clinical research.

Objective:

To examine the intrinsic motivation, attitudes, and practices of young physicians toward scientific research and its clinical value.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on young physicians from 12 hospitals in eastern provinces of China (Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian) between May and October, 2024, using a self-designed, validated questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 532 valid questionnaires were obtained. Among the respondents, 271 (50.9%) were female, and 317 (59.6%) had not led or been deeply involved in a research project. The mean scores for intrinsic motivation, attitude, and practice were 108.79  11.91 (possible range: 27-135), 32.23  4.27 (possible range: 8-40), and 27.44  3.81 (possible range: 7-35), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that intrinsic motivation score (OR = 1.063, 95% CI: 1.035~1.091), attitude score (OR = 1.095, 95% CI: 1.029~1.165), and good research atmosphere (OR = 1.915, 95% CI: 1.038~3.533) were independently associated with practice. Moreover, structural equation modeling analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.854, P < 0.001), attitude directly affected practice (β = 0.637, P < 0.001), and intrinsic motivation indirectly influenced practice through attitude (β = 0.544, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Young physicians exhibited positive intrinsic motivation and attitudes but relatively inactive practices toward scientific research and its clinical application. Efforts to enhance young physicians' participation in research practices should focus on fostering a supportive research environment and leveraging their intrinsic motivation and positive attitudes to bridge the gap between motivation and practice.