FACTORS AFFECTING RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT AMONG CLINICIANS IN AZARE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Background: Medical research is a key element in the advancement of medicine and patient care improvement. However, there is evidence that developing regions like Nigeria have comparatively low research output. Clinicians' attitudes, practices, and barriers toward research are key causal factors of the low research productivity. Objectives: This study explored the research practice, attitude, and barriers towards research engagement among Clinicians at Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state. Methodology: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted at Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, research practices, attitudes, and barriers toward research engagement was obtained using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data was collated and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 21. Result: A total of 101 clinicians participated in this study of which 14.9%, 31.7%, and 29.7% were Consultants, Registrars and Medical Officers respectively. Only 20.8% of the respondents have presented at a scientific conference previously, while 18.8% of the respondents have a published paper in a scientific journal. Although clinicians showed a positive attitude towards research (Mean 4.39, SD ± 0.61), lack of research funding, facilities, mentorship, and demanding clinical services are major deterrents to clinicians' engagement in research. Conclusion: Clinicians have poor research practice despite their positive attitude towards research engagement. Appropriate interventions should be implemented for effective research engagement to augment research output.