Students' opinion regarding application of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Survey Methodology courses in medical research.

OBJECTIVE To assess students' opinion regarding the application of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Survey Methodology courses in medical research. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the opinion of the third and fourth year students regarding the relevance of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Survey Methodology courses, which are taught in the first two years, to medical research through a pre-tested, self administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled by 126 students of third and fourth year MBBS through convenience sampling. RESULTS The majority (76%) of the students agreed that the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Survey Methodology courses were relevant in the first two years of MBBS curriculum. Epidemiology and Survey Methodology were termed as most useful courses for critical reading sessions, literature review and medical writing. No significant difference was observed in the opinion of third and fourth year medical students (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION Research methods courses conducted in the first two years of MBBS are considered relevant and useful by the medical students. The application of these courses should be encouraged by involving the students in research projects during their undergraduate years.