Knowledge about research publication: A comparative study among dental postgraduate students

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of dental postgraduate students regarding publication of research papers. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire based comparative study in which after ethical approval the 2 groups compromising 30 post graduates students each( Group 1 = exam going final year Post Graduates, Group 2 = Post Graduates who just entered final year) were selected from a dental institution by simple random sampling. Then their knowledge regarding research publication was assessed using a self administered questionnaire. Results: The post graduates appearing for the exam has higher knowledge scores (mean score=5.87± 2.44) regarding research publication as compared to those who just entered the final year as their mean knowledge score (mean score=7.10±2.46). Conclusion: This study pinpoints the deficiencies in knowledge among Post graduates about research publication. To benefit the latter workshops and lectures on research publication should be made, part of post graduate curriculum so that they would be in ease during conducting and publishing their work without getting involved in fraudulent affairs.