title: Evidence-Based Practice: Knowledge, attitudes, practice and perceived barriers among nurses in Oman.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe nurses' practices, attitudes, knowledge/skills and perceived barriers in relation to evidence-based practice (EBP) in Oman.
  
  
  METHODS
  This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and November 2012. A self-reported 24-item questionnaire was used to measure EBP practices, attitudes and knowledge/skills among a convenience sample of 600 nurses working in four governmental hospitals in Muscat, Oman. Responses were scored on a one to seven rating scale. Barriers to EBP were measured on a five-point Likert scale using two subscales. Descriptive statistics and general linear regression were used to analyse the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 414 nurses were included in the study. The greatest barriers to developing EBP among nurses were insufficient time for research (3.51 ± 0.97) and insufficient resources to change practices (3.64 ± 0.99). Nurses with more years of experience reported increased use of EBP (P <0.01), more positive attitudes towards EBP (P <0.001) and fewer barriers to research (P <0.01). Significant positive correlations were found between years of experience and practice (r = 0.16) and attitudes (r = 0.20). Nurses with a baccalaureate degree reported fewer barriers to research than those qualified at a diploma level (P <0.001). Nurses who perceived more barriers to research reported less use of EBP (P <0.001), less positive attitudes towards EBP (P <0.001) and limited EBP knowledge/skills (P <0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provide a basis for enhancing nursing practices, knowledge and skills. Continuing education for nurses and minimising barriers is crucial to increasing the use of EBP in Oman.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Adult Health & Critical Care, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Ali A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ammouri
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Ahmad A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Raddaha
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: Preethy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dsouza
authors.affiliation: Maternal & Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Renu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geethakrishnan
authors.affiliation: Maternal & Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Noronha
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Arwa A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Obeidat
authors.affiliation: Maternal & Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shakman
keywords: Attitudes; Evidence-Based Practice; Knowledge; Nurses; Oman