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A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos
Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola1, Oluwakemi Ololade Odukoya2, Bolanle Banigbe3, Sikeade Olawumi Caleb-Adepoju4, Olalekan Folarin4, Bosede Bukola Afolabi5, Njideka Ulunma Okubadejo6, Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo7, Alani Sulaimon Akanmu8, Akinniyi Osuntoki9, Prosper Okonkwo3, Robert Murphy10, Phyllis Kanki11
1 Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Health and Primary Care, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
3 AIDS Prevention Initiative of Nigeria, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
4 BRAINS Initiative, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
6 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
7 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
8 Department of Heamatology and Blood Transfusion, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
9 Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
10 Center for Global Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
11 Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Oluwakemi Ololade Odukoya
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_54_19
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Background: A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3–18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP.
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