The present study investigated the prevalence of research misconduct among Moroccan medical professionals, shedding light on its association with various factors. The response rate of 22.4% reflects a moderate interest in this issue within the targeted population. Analyzing the demographic and academic attributes of the respondents unveiled valuable insights into the landscape of research misconduct in Morocco.
Our findings underscore the prevalence of scientific misconduct within medical students and professionals, particularly those with research experience. Among participants with prior research engagement (36.1%), 63.6% (n=77) acknowledged having committed research misconduct at least once within the last 12 months. This phenomenon signals a need for heightened attention to research ethics, especially considering that exposure to misconduct often correlates with research experience.
Drawing parallels between our findings and the established literature highlights both congruences and divergences. Our outcomes resonate with the study by Okonta and Rossouw (2013), which documented a significant occurrence of unethical conduct across a diverse spectrum of researchers in Nigeria, mirroring our own observations (68.9%, n=91). Conversely, Hofmann (2013) discerned a similar trend among Norwegian Ph.D. students, albeit with a slightly lesser incidence; 23% (n= 60) of these students acknowledged involvement in research misconduct or possessing awareness of such behavior.
Previous studies in Morocco have shown a significant association between plagiarism and participants' academic status and research experience. It was observed that participants at higher academic levels were less tempted to commit plagiarism, likely due to their better training and knowledge (7%).
Additionally, a concerning observation was made regarding participants' understanding of plagiarism, with over 60% lacking a proper definition and considering direct citation without paraphrasing as not constituting plagiarism.
These findings emphasize the need for further research and investigation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where research misconduct is prevalent, and strategies and research regulation offices are lacking. Conducting studies in developing countries, as advocated by Khalid & Al, is crucial to address the rising prevalence of predatory publishing and unethical research practices (Khalid Elbairi & Al., 2022).
Moreover, Examining attitudes towards research misconduct, we observed a dichotomy between the Kalichman survey results and the RMSS-Q outcomes. While a considerable majority (84.4%) disagreed with inventing data or improper citation, the RMSS-Q revealed a higher incidence of misconduct in regard to these items.
This discrepancy underscores the complexity of attitudes and behavior, possibly influenced by contextual factors and the nuances of research environments. The divergent attitudes highlighted the necessity of targeted research ethics training, a perspective supported by Mubeen (2017), Ljubenkovi and Samardžić (2021), and Ateudjieu (2019). These authors emphasize the pivotal role of education in addressing the ignorance that often leads to research misconduct, corroborating the need for tailored interventions.
Furthermore, introducing scholars to research ethics not only helps prevent malpractices but also enhances research interest by raising awareness of its significance. Initiatives like Epirheum, a Moroccan research platform, aim to make research concepts easily understandable and promote research engagement among students through social media-friendly content (Shefaly Shorey, 2021; Kristy Chunta, 2021). Showcasing role models and sharing relatable success stories can also serve as effective means to attract and inspire young scholars.
Our study presents certain limitations that warrant consideration. The response rate of 22.4% may introduce selection bias, potentially influencing the representation of the surveyed population. The cross-sectional design employed limits our ability to establish causal relationships and track changes over time, offering only a snapshot of attitudes and behaviors.
The exploratory nature of our study acknowledges the potential for unexplored variables impacting the observed associations and predictive factors. Self-reporting introduces the possibility of recall bias and social desirability bias, affecting response accuracy.
Furthermore, our study does not comprehensively explore factors like research culture, assessment practices, and Research Integrity training availability, which could contribute to research misconduct patterns.
Despite these limitations, the results highlight the importance of research literacy and ethics education in addressing the issue of research malpractice.
In conclusion, While research misconduct among medical students has been recognized as a concerning issue, there is a gap in understanding the root causes and contributing factors to such unethical behavior.Understanding the efficacy of specific training approaches and interventions in promoting research integrity and ethical conduct among medical students is essential for designing evidence-based interventions that can effectively address the issue of research misconduct.