Publishing determinants and barriers among family physicians during and after training in Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aims to examine the topics covered and the type, scope, and methodology used in family physicians' research projects. In addition, this study explores the determinants and barriers to publishing that affect family physicians' publication behavior. Methods: This study reviewed the end of training research projects of family medicine residents in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and 2013 to determine their topics, scope, and methodologies. Participants were followed for 5 years. Residents' attitudes toward publishing, percentage of work published in peer-reviewed journals, whether participants continued to publish afterward, and obstacles to research and publication were assessed. Results: Residents (n = 157, 66.7% of men) completed an electronic self-administered questionnaire comprising information about training, sex, and publication history. Seventy-six (48.4%) successfully managed to publish in peer-reviewed journals. Most employed questionnaires in their projects (93%) and used descriptive statistical analysis (94.3%). A smaller number of family physicians (n = 15, 9.6%) continued to publish after completing training and resuming family medicine service. Most published projects (95.8%) employed a cross-sectional design. Some (n = 60, 38.2%) expressed interest in publishing if they received an expert's assistance. Reported obstacles to publishing included lack of time (19.1%), unavailability of technical support (14.0%), and lack of incentives (3.1%). Conclusion: Overall, participants' attitudes toward research and publication were positive; however, their publication rate after completing a training program was low. Publication should be promoted through continued education about research and writing methodology and through incentivization of professional mentors and financial support.