Attitudes and Influential Factors Affecting Medical Students’ Engagement in Research: A Study in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Although most students demonstrated a positive attitude toward research, engagement was primarily associated with career-related factors such as residency program requirements and academic competition. Higher participation among senior students suggests that curricular exposure and academic structure play a key role in facilitating research involvement. Addressing identified barriers through structured mentorship and curriculum-integrated research opportunities may enhance meaningful student participation.