As such, it is self-evident that ‘Research’ turns out to be one of the key objectives of the medical education as a whole. Realistically speaking, the contribution of medical institutions in the domain of research as evaluated from the publications in the indexed/peer reviewed journals, as against the contribution from the developed world, is insignificant.

This is a matter of concern that despite the fact that with enormous growth in number of medical colleges over a period of time, it has not resulted in a parallel contribution in the domain of research. Of the various reasons which limit the same, one of the important attributes is the lack of ‘structured teaching’ in the domain of research methodology at the various levels of Medical Education. This also entails non-availability of handy reading material to the students and the teachers, so as to update themselves in the context of research methodology. Operationally speaking, there is a palpable dearth on this count.

It is in this backdrop that the book titled Research Methodology for Health Professionals penned by learned Dr RC Goyal, Professor and Director, Department of Community Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha under Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University), Nagpur, is a desired addition, fm8which by virtue of its meaningful inclusion is bound to go a long way in clearing to the void, which is in operation as of now.

The author has very diligently and articulately attempted to cover all the aspects of research including special topics for thesis writing, publication of article, formulation of proposal for funding and a critical evaluation of a scientific article as well. The initiative undertaken by the author is not only significant but is also praiseworthy in terms of the free flowing and co-ordinated syntaxing, which has been articulated by him. A special mention is required for the incorporation of the ethical issues in health research in a very lucid manner.

I am sure that this notable attempt by the author is bound to successfully result in fulfilling the legitimate needs and expectations of the researchers in a subtle way in attaining the set objectives by them.

I record my gratitude and appreciation to the author for his herculean effort in dispensing this gigantic task.

The book has been written in simple English without heavy technical jargons with the aim to provide readers with a book that will deliver key practical information in an efficient and effective manner and explain each topic in such a way that even someone without any health background can follow the subject and understand practical issues.

It covers a variety of topics, such as Identification and Prioritization of Research Problems; Literature Search: Formulation of Research Questions, objectives and Hypotheses, Study Design Options, Research on Diagnostic Tests, Determination of Sample Size and Power, Data Collection Methods and Techniques, Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Data, Ethical Issues, etc. with special inclusion of Writing a Research Proposal, Steps in Thesis Writing and Writing an Article for Publication, which will help readers in designing and conducting research studies.

Students will find in it a clear and concise overview of the important topics in which they must become proficient to practice skillfully, efficiently, and ethically in their chosen fields. Wherever feasible, visual cues highlighting key points have been provided alongside systematic, step-by-step guidelines. All postgraduate students will find this book very helpful in writing thesis and publishing research work of international standards.

It is ideal for readers with basic knowledge of research as well as for those with intermediate knowledge who need a quick refresher regarding various aspects of the research methodology. For readers with an advanced knowledge of research-design and methodology, this book can be used as a concise summary of basic research techniques and principles, or as an adjunct to a more advanced research methodology textbook.

This book is the result of extensive literature search, discussions with experts and fellow colleagues.

fm10I hope that it will fulfill the felt needs of not only postgraduate students and teaching faculty in Health and Allied Sciences but also public health professionals. However, the valued suggestions from the readers are welcome so as to enable to incorporate the same in future editions to make the book more reader compatible.

I am thankful to my colleagues at various institutions who inspired me to pen down this book specially Dr BS Garg, Dean, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha; Dr Deokinandan, Director, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi and Dr SP Zodpey, Director, Public Health Education, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi.

I am specially thankful to Dr Shushil Agrekar for helping me in writing the chapter on Analysis of Quantitative Data. My thanks are due to Mr Abhishek Goyal who has read initial draft and provided his valuable suggestions. My special thanks to Dr OP Lathwal, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Garyounis University, Benghazi, Libya, for meticulously reading the final draft of this book.

I am indebted to my postgraduate students (MD & MPH) specially at Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, Nagpur, who insisted on writing this book for the benefit of all researchers.

Finally, it was not possible to come up with book without the moral support and constant encouragement of my wife, Baby; daughter, Abhilasha; and son, Abhishek.