Attitudes and factors affecting research utilization.
OBJECTIVE
The gap between nursing research findings and their application in practice, particularly in rural areas.


METHODS
A descriptive-correlational study design focused on the attitude of nurses (N = 106) in rural practice setting towards nursing research and the relationship between their attitudes and other factors.


RESULTS
Fewer than a quarter of the nurses in this study had favorable attitudes toward research.  Attitudes and interest varied with levels of education and position.  Also, the isolation  of rural nurses from nurse researchers creates a peculiar barrier to research utilization.


CONCLUSIONS
The influence of nurse educators/researchers and administrators cannot be overemphasized.  Nurse leaders need to perceive nursing research as the base for evidence-based practice, and enhance the utilization of scientific evidence in practice settings.
Olade
Rosaline A
RA
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. rolade@unmc.edu
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004506:Education, Nursing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education; D019035:Rural Health Services; D015206:Southwestern United States