Toward Evidence-Based Practice: Exploring Influential Factors Among Respiratory Health Professionals in Latin America

<bold>Introduction:</bold> One of the challenges for health professionals is that care processes are performed based on scientific evidence, which is why questionnaires have been designed to measure these behaviors. The study addresses the relationship between several variables and perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP). The objective was to determine the association of personal and professional factors with the dimensions of the Health Sciences Evidence-Based Practice (HS-EBP) questionnaire. <bold>Methods:</bold> Observational study, the questionnaire was administered and factors such as age, gender, country of residence, academic level, profession, EBP training, and professional activity were considered. The questionnaire scores were analyzed to assess the relationship between these dimensions and the variables mentioned. The questionnaire was distributed in Latin American countries and used the CROSS methodology for its implementation. <bold>Results:</bold> Data from 448 respiratory health professionals (17 countries) were included. Statistical associations (p<0.001) were identified between training related to EBP, reading scientific articles, and the dimensions of the questionnaire. In addition, variables such as academic level, extension courses taken, country of residence, work environment and gender showed associations (p<0.05). No significant association was found with age. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> EBP training and the habit of reading scientific articles influence perceptions of EBP, while the educational and professional context may modulate these perceptions. These findings highlight the need to consider multiple factors when designing strategies to promote EBP among health professionals.