Investigating the Barriers and Solutions to Conducting Research in COVID-19 from the Perspective of Graduate Students

Adel  Eftekhari; Abdol Jalil  Karagholi; Fereshteh Araghian  Mojarad; Abolfazl  Hosseinnataj; Tahereh  Yaghoubi

doi:10.18502/jebhpme.v9i4.22098

Adel Eftekhari Department of Nursing, Meybod School of Medical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Abdol Jalil Karagholi Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fereshteh Araghian Mojarad Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Abolfazl Hosseinnataj Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Tahereh Yaghoubi Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jebhpme.v9i4.22098

Keywords: Public Health, Research, COVID-19, Students, Graduate

Abstract

Introduction: Scientific research plays a critical role in improving health systems and social well-being; however, public health crises pose serious challenges to the research process, particularly for graduate students. This study aims to identify the barriers to conducting research during public health crises and propose potential solutions from the perspective of graduate students.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among 210 graduate students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing personal and organizational research barriers and proposed solutions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient in SPSS version 27.

Results: Results indicated that “weakness in individual research skills” (6.42 ± 25.10) was the most significant personal obstacle, while “administrative obstacles” (2.63 ± 16.49) were the main organizational barrier. “Motivational support for students” received the highest solution score (2.97 ± 21.99). Moreover, significant positive correlations were found between organizational and personal obstacles (r = 0.35, p = 0.001) and between appropriate solutions
(r = 0.44, p = 0.001). Gender, marital status, research background, and completion of a research methods course significantly influenced perceived barriers

Conclusion: The findings suggest that addressing research challenges during public health crises requires strengthening research skills, reducing administrative barriers, and providing adequate motivational and institutional support.