Masters theses from a university medical college: Publication in indexed scientific journals
<b>Background:</b> The thesis is an integral part of postgraduate medical education in India. Publication of the results of the thesis in an indexed journal is desirable; it validates the research and makes results available to researchers worldwide. <b> Aims:</b> To determ...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2010-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Ophthalmology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2010;volume=58;issue=2;spage=101;epage=104;aulast=Dhaliwal |
| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> The thesis is an integral part of postgraduate medical education in India. Publication of the results of the thesis in an indexed journal is desirable; it validates the research and makes results available to researchers worldwide. <b> Aims:</b> To determine publication rates in indexed journals, of works derived from theses, and factors affecting publication. <b> Settings and Design:</b> Postgraduate theses submitted over a five-year period (2001-05) in a university medical college were analyzed in a retrospective, observational study. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> Data retrieved included name and gender of postgraduate student, names, department and hierarchy of supervisor and co-supervisor(s), year submitted, study design, sample size, and statistically significant difference between groups. To determine subsequent publication in an indexed journal, Medline search was performed up to December 2007. <b> Statistical Analysis:</b> Chi<sup> </sup> square test was used to compare publication rates based on categorical variables; Student′s<i> t</i>-test was used to compare differences based on continuous variables. <b> Results:</b> One hundred and sixty theses were retrieved, forty-eight (30%) were published. Papers were published 8-74 (33.7 ± 17.33) months after thesis submission; the postgraduate student was first author in papers from 26 (54%) of the published theses. Gender of the student, department of origin, year of thesis submission, hierarchy of the supervisor, number and department of co-supervisors, and thesis characteristics did not influence publication rates. <b> Conclusions:</b> Rate of publication in indexed journals, of papers derived from postgraduate theses is 30%. In this study we were unable to identify factors that promote publication. |
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| ISSN: | 0301-4738 1998-3689 |