Perceptions of Midwifery Nursing Students Regarding Research at Chitungwiza Central Hospital

Abstract

Health fraternity as a fast changing environment throughout the globe is critically anchored on research and development. Research is the lifeblood of any institution which needs to sustainably exist and remain relevant to its market share. Despite the articulated benefits of research and that research generates knowledge and acts as an umbilical cord between theory and practice, Chitungwiza Central Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery as a beacon and hub of new midwifery nursing skills is still facing notable regression in research. A descriptive qualitative design was carried out to explore perceptions of midwifery nursing students regarding research. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) midwifery nursing students and on key informant (educator) who met the requirements of this research topic. Interview guide was used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data gathered. Two themes emerged which are facilitating factors (knowledge regarding meaning and significance of research, having adequate resources such as seasoned research tutors and mentors) and perceptional barriers (poor teaching methodologies, poor knowledge, negative attitude, lack of time, and support systems).The majority of midwifery nursing students perceive research as a complicated institution with no or little benefits to the evidence based practice in midwifery nursing. This research recommends a greater need for educator student engagement to demystify the detrimental views against continuous research efforts.