Factors associated with scientific production conditions among dental students from the Peruvian capital: an analysis under a multivariable regression model

Background: The purpose of scientific production is to synthesize and capture research for eventual publication. In Peru, scientific production at the undergraduate level is relatively limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with scientific production conditions among dental students from the Peruvian capital. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study evaluated 338 dental students from the Peruvian capital using a questionnaire composed of 15 questions on conditions for scientific production. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used for bivariate analysis. To evaluate the influential variables, the adjusted Poisson regression model with robust variance using the adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was employed. The significance level was p < 0.05. Results: A total of 17.8% of the students carried out research studies, while 1.5% published scientific articles. Conditions for scientific production were considered unfavorable in 28.4% of the cases, while 50.6% were classified as somewhat favorable and 21% as favorable. Students who dedicated < 2 h and ≥ 2 h per week to research were 3.04 and 3.84 times more likely to have favourable conditions for scientific production, respectively, compared to those who had no time for it (APR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.02–9.03 and APR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.13–13.02; respectively). Conclusion: A minority of dental students reported favorable conditions for scientific production. On the other hand, students with more weekly time for research are more likely to have favourable conditions for scientific production compared to those with no time.