Attitudes Toward Research and Factors Affecting Research Interest Among Nursing Students in College of Nursing Sciences, Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: With ongoing changes in healthcare, nursing research is crucial for tackling complex patient care challenges, enhancing clinical practices, and influencing healthcare policies. Research shows that although many nursing students view research positively but various obstacles hinder their interest and involvement. Despite these findings, few studies have directly assessed how attitudes affect students’ interest in research, especially within Nigerian Colleges of Nursing Science. Therefore, this study aimed to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward research and to identify factors influencing research interest in College of Nursing Sciences, Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Research Method: This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design and 207 respondents were selected within the settings of the study encompassing all year three and year four nursing students. The data were presented in tables and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations and chi-square was tested for the association between variables. Results: The findings of this study revealed that respondents had positive attitude (2.87/4± 0.97) towards research. Also, the findings revealed that 79.4%, 77.9% and 77.9% of the respondents indicated lack of funding, limited access to research resources and difficulty in obtaining approval respectively affect their interest in research. Statistically, the finding revealed that there was a significant (p = 0.013) relationship between age and limited access to research resources, and also there was a significant (p = 0.018) relationship between level of study and lack of fund.Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing students at the College of Nursing Sciences, Lagos University Teaching Hospital generally had a positive attitude toward research and that lack of funding, limited access to research resources, and difficulty in obtaining research approval were the major factors affecting research interest. However, support from lecturers was found to positively influence students’ interest in research. It was recommended that institutions should improve students’ access to research resources, including academic databases, journals, research software, and other relevant learning materials required for research activities. Funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorship schemes should be made available for students’ research projects to reduce financial barriers to research participation.