Attitudes of Saudi nursing students toward nursing research

Abstract

Background: The role of research was supported by faculty, researchers and professional organizations as an essential standard for practice and professional accountability. It is important to equip students with a strong research foundation to facilitate judging applicability of findings to clinical settings, and conducting research and eventually improving the quality of health-care. Increasing attention is directed to students' attitudes and involvement in research, however, no previous studies were located on the attitudes of Saudi students towards research. Aim: To investigate the attitudes of nursing students toward research in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design with convenient sample of 244 senior students at a three-campus college of nursing in three regions in Saudi Arabia using a 22-items self-administered 4-point likert type attitude questionnaire. Results: Majority of students reported positive attitudes toward research with highest scores for 'usefulness of research' and 'personal interest in research' and lowest scores for 'using research in clinical practice'. Research attitudes significantly correlated with students' seniority and having completed a research course. Conclusions and Recommendations: Assessing students' attitudes towards research enhances implementation of findings in patient care and proposes means for developing positive attitudes and raising students' awareness of future role as practicing nurses. Students had positive attitudes toward research and its usefulness in professional work and less positive attitudes toward using research in practice. Faculty should develop students' knowledge and attitudes while studying at the college. Nursing and health-related professions researchers should direct attention to promoting the ultimate implementation of evidence-based practice by students as well as nurses