Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Introduction: Feel confident in the ability of students and their conceptions of research skills are the most important factors affecting research. This study is aimed to assess factors associated with self-efficacy of medical students of Islamic Azad University of Qom.

Methods: In this sectional-analytic study, 303 students that are studying medical sciences at Islamic Azad university of Qom have participated. Samples of multistage sampling were selected in proportion to the share of each field. Data were collected using a questionnaire including personal, academic and research self-efficacy.Content validity by teachers and and reliability  with Cronbach's coefficient Alfay (0/72) was confirmed .Data were analyzed using SPSS software and using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation  with inferential statistics and independent T of ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient and significance level (p <0/05).

Results: Average score of self-efficacy was 15/28 ± 61/99 and the score in nursing was significantly lower than other fields. On the other hand there was a significant direct correlation between average grade of students and self-efficacy (r= 0/321 and P =0/018). T independent test did not show a significant difference in the mean and standard deviation of self-efficacy in terms of gender, and marital status (P <0/05). But this test showed significant difference in self-efficacy analyzing the degree and course (P >0/05). The T independent test also showed differences in self-efficacy in terms of passing a course or workshop on research methodology, history of co-running research projects and having research papers in journals and conferences (P >0/001).

Conclusion: Considering the self-efficacy of students in this research, increase their research capacity by providing workshops right after being admitted to university and strengthen educational programs, raise their awareness of the regulations of talented students and young researchers club, increase motivation and empowerment of teachers in medical universities and creating a serious incentive for student in research are emphasized.