'Research is the last thing on our minds, we are in crisis': Experiences of Lagos state nurses towards research and scholarly endeavours.

AIM: To explore the experiences of Nigerian nurses in research and scholarly endeavours. DESIGN: Descriptive phenomenological qualitative study design. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted among 30 nurses until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis method, and consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ) were adhered to in reporting this study. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) challenges of nurses with research; (2) the state of nursing research in Lagos state; (3) strategies to improve the state of nursing research in Lagos state. Some challenges nurses in Lagos State encounter with research include heavy workload and nursing shortage due to brain drain, faulty research foundation, lack of continuing education in research and the stressful nature of conducting research in Lagos. CONCLUSION: As research is essential in addressing healthcare challenges, policymakers are encouraged to employ more nurses to reduce the workload and provide time for research activities. Training and continuing education in research can be incorporated into professional development programmes. Lagos State will benefit from nursing research units in the hospitals, and a coordinating centre for the units should be provided with adequate funding. Support could be obtained from the Institute of Nursing Research Nigeria in establishing these structures. Hospital management should embrace and welcome research output from nurses and ensure such results are implemented to improve patients' care. Nurses who excel in research might be recognised with awards and other incentives to inspire their peers.

Knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduates in Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is currently the fourth most common cancer among women. There are several factors which have, in recent times, posed a threat to the recognition and acceptance of CC screening in Nigeria. This study was undertaken to assess the predictors of knowledge of female undergraduates at Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria, on CC screening and the level of acceptance readiness. Method: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 345 female undergraduates at Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson product-moment correlation at p < 0.05 level of significance. Results: This study revealed that majority of the respondents have a substantial awareness and knowledge of CC screening (68.4%). The study suggested that health talk and level of exposure might be responsible for the good knowledge. While 47.5% were ready to undergo CC screening, 76.2% were ready to undergo the screening if a health professional performed the procedure, and 66.1% will tell their family members to go for screening. However, 49.9% reported not having the correct information on CC screening. A significant correlation was found between knowledge and acceptability of CC screening among the students (r = -0.366, p ˂ 0.05). Also, this study suggested that the age of female undergraduates is correlated with acceptance of CC screening (r = -0.221, p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: As the acceptability of CC screening was high, CC screening facilities could be made available for the students. Similarly, educational interventions to improve awareness of CC screening among this population are warranted, as over one-third reported they did not have the correct information on CC screening.