Prevalence and factors associated with research misconduct among faculty in selected public universities in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Résumé

We report the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported research misconduct (RM) among 70 faculty members across two recently established public universities in Eastern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, anonymized self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Scientific Misconduct Questionnaire-Revised (SMQ-R). Data were analyzed using STATA version 16.0. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics; bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors of RM. The overall prevalence of self-reported RM, defined as engagement in any one of fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (FFP), was 31.4% (22/70). Plagiarism and falsification were each reported by 20.0% of participants, while fabrication was reported by 1.4%. Most respondents were male (72.9%), held master's-level qualifications (70.0%), and had received prior ethics training (81.4%). In multivariable analysis, prior ethics training (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.07-0.98; p = 0.046) and the perception that RM is unacceptable (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.07-0.98; p = 0.046) were independently associated with lower odds of self-reported RM. These findings indicate that RM is relatively common among faculty in Eastern Uganda. Although prior ethics training was associated with lower odds of self -reported RM, the persistence of misconduct suggests that existing ethics training programs need strengthening in both quality and institutional integration. Also, A multifaceted approach is needed to foster research integrity within academic institutions.

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