Authors Keywords: plagiarism, ethics in publishing, research, scientific misconduct Abstract

Background: Plagiarism, the act of using someone else's work without proper citation, is a growing concern in scientific research. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards plagiarism among medical faculty and postgraduate residents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 medical faculty and postgraduate students at a government medical college in Uttarakhand using complete enumeration. Data were collected through a semi- structured questionnaire, including demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to plagiarism. Participants were approached department-wise and provided a Google Form link. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Of the 105 participants, 66.6% were ?30 years old, 53.3% were female, and 64.8% were postgraduate residents. While 68.6% were currently involved in research, 64.8% had no prior publications. Knowledge of research ethics varied significantly by rank, with faculty and senior residents demonstrating stronger ethical stances than junior residents, particularly regarding citation practices and method reuse. Significant differences were found in views on self-plagiarism, plagiarism severity, and its justification. Reported plagiarism practices included 2.9% using others' work without citation and 4.8% misappropriating ideas.

Conclusion: Our study reveals gaps in research ethics awareness, especially among junior residents. While most participants were engaged in research, many lacked prior publication experience. Ethical knowledge varied by rank, with faculty and senior residents demonstrating stronger adherence. Misconceptions about self-plagiarism and plagiarism severity were common, highlighting the need for targeted ethics training.

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Author Biographies Janki Bartwal, VCSGGIMS&R

Associate Professor

Department of Community Medicine

Chandra Mohan Singh Rawat, VCSGGIMS&R

Professor

Department of Community Medicine

Nidhi Nautiyal, VCSGGIMS&R

Statistician

Department of Community Medicine

How to Cite

1.

Garhwal K, Bartwal J, Rawat CMS, Nautiyal N. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards research ethics among medical faculty and post graduate residents of government medical college in Uttarakhand. Indian Journal of Community Health [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 30 [cited 2025 Aug. 6];37(3). Available from: http://www.iapsmupuk.org/journal/index.php/IJCH/article/view/3223

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Original Article

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