BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

Research engagement is a critical component of nursing education, fostering professional growth and contributing to the advancement of nursing science. This descriptive study identified the barriers and facilitators to research engagement among nursing students in private universities. A comprehensive survey was administered to 300 nursing students across five private universities to gather data on their experiences and perceptions related to research activities. The findings revealed several prominent barriers, including time constraints, limited research skills, and inadequate access to research resources. Conversely, key facilitators identified were strong mentorship, institutional support, and availability of research opportunities. The data analysis provided a clear depiction of the current state of research engagement among nursing students, highlighting the significant role of a supportive academic environment and proactive faculty involvement. The study concludes that addressing these barriers through strategic interventions and leveraging facilitators can enhance research engagement among nursing students. Recommendations include integrating research skill development into the nursing curriculum, allocating dedicated time for research activities, and improving access to necessary research resources. This study offers valuable insights for educators and administrators in private universities to foster a research-oriented culture, ultimately enhancing the academic and professional trajectory of nursing students.