Attitudes of Jordanian nursing students towards nursing research

Abstract

Attitudes towards research are significant indictors that connect practice to research and enhance nursing evidence-based practice. This correlational study was conducted to assess the attitudes of Jordanian nursing students towards nursing research. A self-administered questionnaire received from 612 senior nursing students at one of the largest universities in Amman, Jordan, was carried out. The results showed that nursing students had positive attitudes towards research. The majority of them believed that research has a role in developing the nursing profession, and that nurses must learn how to read and utilise research findings in practice. The majority also realised the value of research in improving quality of care, expressed the need to learn about nursing research, appreciated the necessity of research for the development of the nursing profession and had a willingness to conduct nursing research in clinical settings. Four attitude domains were identified, including research abilities, usefulness of research, personal interest in research and using research in clinical practice. The highest scores were observed on items related to ‘usefulness of research’ and the lowest were related to ‘research abilities’. Providing students with information and strengthening their research abilities might enhance their positive feelings and increase their involvement in research activities after graduation.