How to Write a Medical Research Article in IMRaD Format: A Simple Guide for Medical Students 

(with example).

Sample Article (IMRaD Format)

"Title: Effect of Caffeine on Sleep Quality Among Medical Students"

Author & Affiliations:

1. Abhishek Kumar

(1, Final Year Medical Student, Aiims Delhi, New Delhi, India)

Introduction:
Medical students often consume caffeine to stay awake during study hours. However, the effect of caffeine on sleep quality in this group is not well studied. This study aims to find out how caffeine intake affects sleep among medical students.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was done at XYZ Medical College in March 2025. Fifty students were selected randomly. A sleep quality questionnaire and caffeine intake survey were used. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Results:
Out of 50 students, 30 reported high caffeine intake. Among them, 80% had poor sleep quality. In contrast, only 30% of students with low caffeine intake had poor sleep quality.

Discussion:
The results suggest that high caffeine intake may be linked to poor sleep in medical students. This matches findings from earlier studies. However, as this study is based on self-reports, more detailed studies are needed.

Conclusion:
High caffeine use may negatively affect sleep quality in medical students. Awareness about caffeine and healthy sleep habits is important.

References:

1. Clark I, Landolt HP. Coffee, caffeine, and sleep: A systematic review of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Feb;31:70–8.

2. Hershner SD, Chervin RD. Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. Nat Sci Sleep. 2014 May 23;6:73–84.

3. O'Brien MC, Mindell JA. Caffeine consumption and its relationship to sleep in college students. J Am Coll Health. 2005;53(4):162–5.

How to Write a Medical Research Article in IMRaD Format: A Simple Guide for Medical Students

Writing a medical research article can feel difficult, especially if you are a student doing it for the first time. But with the IMRaD format, you can follow a simple structure to organize your thoughts and data clearly. This article will explain the IMRaD structure step by step, in easy and simple words, so that you can write your own article confidently.

What is IMRaD Format?

IMRaD stands for:

• I – Introduction

• M – Methods

• R – Results

• a – and

• D – Discussion
  
  

It is the most common format used for writing medical and scientific research articles.

Each section has a specific role. Let’s understand each one in detail.

1. Introduction: What is Your Research About and Why Did You Do It?

This is the first part of your article. It tells the reader:

• What is the topic or problem?

• Why is it important?

• What is already known?

• What is not known (the gap)?

• What is your research question or aim?
  
  

Example Structure:

Diabetes is a common disease affecting millions. Many patients struggle with controlling blood sugar. Some studies show that lifestyle changes help. But not enough research is done in young adults. This study aims to find out how diet and exercise affect blood sugar in medical students with early diabetes.

Tips:

• Start broad, then become specific.

• Use 2–3 paragraphs.

• Write clearly and avoid too much technical language.
  
  

2. Methods: How Did You Do the Study?

This section explains how you did your research. A reader should be able to repeat the study by reading this.

What to Include:

• Study design – e.g., survey, experiment, case study, etc.

• Place and time – Where and when was the study done?

• Participants – Who took part? How many? How were they selected?

• Tools and procedures – What questionnaires, machines, or lab tests did you use?

• Data collection – How did you collect information?

• Data analysis – Which methods or software did you use to analyze the results?
  
  

Example:

This was a cross-sectional study done in XYZ Medical College from Jan to Mar 2025. A total of 100 medical students with type 2 diabetes were included. We used a simple diet and exercise survey. Blood sugar was measured before and after 3 months. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Tips:

• Keep it short and clear.

• Use past tense (e.g., “was done,” “were collected”).
  
  

3. Results: What Did You Find?

This is the part where you show the findings of your study. Don’t explain or interpret them yet — just report them.

What to Include:

• Key numbers and observations

• Tables or graphs (if possible)

• Comparison between groups (if done)

• Important statistical findings (e.g., p-values)
  
  

Example:

Out of 100 students, 60 followed the exercise plan, and 40 did not. The average blood sugar dropped by 20 mg/dL in the exercise group. In the non-exercise group, it dropped by only 5 mg/dL (p < 0.05).

Tips:

• Use simple sentences and bullet points if needed.

• Make tables easy to read.

• Do not repeat everything from the tables in words.
  
  

4. Discussion: What Do Your Results Mean?

This is where you explain the meaning of your results. You compare them to other studies and suggest what they could mean for practice or future research.

What to Include:

• A brief summary of your main findings

• How your results compare with other studies

• Why your results may be different (if they are)

• What are the strengths and limitations of your study

• What could be done next (future studies)
  
  

Example:

This study found that exercise helped reduce blood sugar levels in young diabetic students. This supports earlier studies from India and the US. However, our sample size was small. We also relied on self-reported exercise, which may not be accurate. Future studies should include larger groups and better tracking of exercise.

Tips:

• Don’t overclaim – say only what your data supports.

• Be honest about limitations.

• Write like you are explaining to a classmate.
  
  

5. Conclusion: What is the Takeaway?

Though not part of IMRaD exactly, many journals ask for a short conclusion. This is just 2–3 lines summarizing the main message.

Example:

Regular exercise can significantly improve blood sugar levels in young adults with type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes should be promoted among medical students to prevent early complications.

6. References

At the end, list all the sources you cited in your article.

• Use a consistent reference style (e.g., Vancouver or APA).

• Number the references in the order they appear in your article.

• Always check your journal’s specific format.
  
  

Extra Tips for Medical Students

• Use simple words. Avoid too much jargon.

• Be honest. Don’t make up data.

• Edit your work. Check spelling, grammar, and structure.

• Read published articles. This helps you learn how others write. READ HERE 

• Follow the journal guidelines. Every journal (like IJDMMS) may have special instructions.

So what are you Waiting for, Submit Your Article Now!