Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

Knowledge and Perception of Students towards Publication Ethics: A Comparative Study in Two Academic Settings

Shayesteh Jahanfar, Mitra Molainejad and Dzalila Izzat

Introduction: Publication ethics is a constant concern for academic and students alike as being an author has important academic, social, and financial implications. However, the perception of academics towards matters related to publication ethics is unclear and often a source of conflict.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare students’ perceptions regarding publication ethics in two medical universities.
Method: The target population was selected from two academic settings (Isfahan University, n=279, University of Kuala Lumpur, n=216). Subjects were asked to fill in a standard questionnaire in a cross sectional study design, testing their perceptions towards publication ethics. Simple random sampling was employed. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant.
Result: The result suggests that students from Isfahan had a higher level of knowledge in three areas: publication ethics (P=0.001), funding (P=0.001) and authorship (P=0.005) compared to students from the University of Kuala Lumpur. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of reporting the result (P=0.438). Conclusion: Student training on publication ethics is necessary to prevent academic disappointment and conflict. It is recommended that formal training be added to medical curricula and that publication ethics be practiced in university settings.