Journal of Applied Medical Sciences

Assessing Nurses’ Capacity for Health Research and Policy Engagement in Nigeria

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• Abstract

  Nurses account for a significant proportion of the health care workforce in most countries. In the African continent, it is estimated that nurses constitute about 80% of the health care professionals, however they are marginally represented in health research investigations and policy/decision-making roles. A descriptive research design was used to obtain data from 120 registered nurses in Calabar municipality, Nigeria. The study aimed at assessing the extent of nurses’ involvement in research and policy development. The findings revealed that only 30(25.0%) of the respondents indicated that they had been involved in research activity. Majority 74(61.7%) utilized research findings and perceived research as a tool to enhance development of nursing. 93(77.5%) respondents were not aware of any financial support for research and only 4(3.3%) had ever received research grant to support research activities. The results also revealed minimal 8(6.7%) involvement of nurses in health care policy development. A significant relationship (P < 0.05) existed between nursing educational qualification and involvement in research activities after school. These findings therefore suggest the building of supportive research environments and strengthening nurses’ research capacity for effective participation of nurses in health care policy decisions in low and middle income countries (LMICs) and global health priorities.