Magnitude and Factors Associated with Research Misconduct at Public University in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

<ns3:p>Background Research integrity, essential for ethical scientific research, has been inadequately addressed in Ethiopia, resulting in gaps in addressing misconduct like plagiarism, falsification and fabrication. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of researchers. Data were collected via a self-administered, structured questionnaire, which was adapted from a similar study. The collected data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression. Result A total of 244 researchers participated in the study, resulting in an 82% response rate. In our study, 37.7% of participants reported engaging in at least one form of misconduct, 95% CI [31.6%, 44.1%]. Authorship misconduct was the most common form of self-reported misconduct (47.5%), 95% CI [41.1%, 54.0%], followed by fabrication and falsification (40.6%), 95% CI [34.4%, 47.0%]. Publication pressure was significantly associated with research misconduct (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: [1.02, 9.95]). Conclusion Research misconduct has profound implications, compromising the validity of scientific findings and eroding public trust in research. Implementing comprehensive education initiatives on responsible research practices, as well as building an all-encompassing institutional policy, can help to reduce the occurrence of misconduct.</ns3:p>

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