ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDE, BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS REGARDING RESEARCH UTILIZATION AMONG NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Research utilization (RU) is crucial to prepare the next generation of registered nurses, since they are expected to stay abreast of research, read and use existing research to improve their ability to solve problems, and make decisions independently in clinical settings. The objective of the study was to assess attitude, barriers and facilitators regarding research utilization among nursing students. Method: A descriptive study was conducted using total enumeration sampling technique to recruit 176 nursing students. Structured attitude scale and BARRIERS Scale were used for collecting the data by Self report technique. Reliability of structured attitude scale and BARRIERS scale were tested by cronbach's alpha were found to be 0.71 and 0.89 respectively. Results: The ndings of the study revealed that nearly two third (67%) of the nursing students were having moderately favourable attitude regarding research utilization. The top three barriers identied by the nursing students were insufcient time to implement new ideas (67.6%), non- documented need to change practice (65.9%) and inadequate facilities for implementation (62.5%). The top three facilitators identied were advancing education to increase research knowledge base (32.95%), increasing the time availability for reviewing and implementing (18.18%) and improving availability and accessibility of research reports and timely publication (15.90%). Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing students were having moderately favourable attitude regarding research utilization. Therefore, nursing students should be encouraged and supported to utilize research ndings in their practice settings by providing them sufcient time and knowledge to implement new ideas and should be supported by administration.