Facilitators and Impediments to Research at the University of Ghana Medical School: A Survey of Faculty Members’ Views

Abstract

Background: There are more opportunities for research in Africa now than ever however several factors still militate against research among academics. We identified the major barriers to research and the factors that enhance research at the University of Ghana Medical School in order to identify ways to build research capacity. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of the views of faculty members of the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. This included information on respondent characteristics, research activities, obstacles, motivations, and challenges to do research. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16. Results: Altogether 99 completed questionnaires were obtained out of which 69.7% came from the lecturer and senior lecturer grades. There were a reported 159 publications, and 94 conference presentations by respondents in the preceding year. Inability to access funding (64.6%) was identified by most as an obstacle to research followed by lack of laboratory equipment (49.5%), lack of time (48.5%), and heavy clinical workload (43.4%). The major motivating factors for research were, need for promotion (51.5%), getting a paper published (45.5%), mentorship by senior researchers (27.3%), and establishing partnerships with international organizations (25.3%). Conclusion: More investment in infrastructure, mentoring, training particularly in grantsmanship and research partnerships can provide further opportunities for capacity building in research in this African institution.