Assessment of Attitude towards Research among Nursing students in Kashmir

Abstract

Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information. Nursing research primarily focuses on improving patient care and advancing the nursing profession. It helps develop evidence-based practices, enhances the quality of care, and addresses healthcare disparities. Furthermore, research informs policies, promotes professional growth, and fosters a culture of innovation in nursing. The present study aims to assess attitude towards research  among nursing students of Kashmir India. Method: Descriptive design using a validated questionnaire was used to assess the attitudes towards research among student nurses .Modified Attitude Towards Research (ATR) scale used as research instrument. 84 nursing students from various nursing colleges of Kashmir were included as participants in the study Results: In the present study majority of participants 68 (80.95%) had not attended any conference, seminar, webinar, 14 (16.66% ) participants attended only one, 2 (2.38%) participants attended two, 0 (0%) participants had attended 3 or more than 3 , conference, seminar, webinar regarding research. For the total attitude score in first part of ATR scale statements  related to Research usefulness in the nursing profession 78.43% (65.88 ) nursing students were agreed while 4.76% (4) nursing students were not agreed  with the statements regarding attitude towards research. Based on attitude score in second part of ATR scale related to Research anxiety 73.63% (61.85) nursing students agreed,10.71% (9) were not agreed with the statements related to research anxiety. On ATR scale, according to their attitude score in third part of ATR scale related to Positive Attitude Towards Research ,68.45% (57.5) agreed ,8.03% (6.75) nursing students  were not agreed  with the statements related to positive attitude towards research. Based on scoring according to their attitude score in fourth part of ATR scale related to Research Relevance in Life  ,7.14% (6) agreed ,567.46% (56.66) nursing students  were not agreed  to research relevance in life. Based on their attitude score in fifth part of ATR scale related to Research Difficulty 81.74% (6)8.66 agreed ,3.17% (2.66) nursing students  were not agreed  related to research relevance in life.

Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of the students were not aware  about the  usefulness of research in nursing. There  is a demand  for educational interventions like conferences workshops ,seminars and webinar regarding  usefulness of research in the field of nursing, besides regular curriculum. It is very important to build a positive attitude towards research  that will help nurses to improve patient health and drive change in healthcare systems. It provides a scientific foundation for evidence-based practice (EBP) and helps nurses make informed decisions about patient care.