Anxiety and attitudes of midwifery students toward scientific research

Abstract

The attitudes of midwifery students, who are being trained to perform the profession of midwifery in the future, toward doing scientific research are determining factors in increasing the quality of midwifery and strengthening evidence-based practices. Undergraduate education is an important stage in which basic research-related perspectives and skills are gained for health professions. This descriptive study aims to determine the anxiety and attitudes of midwifery students toward scientific research and to examine the variables that affect them. It was conducted at a public university in western Türkiye and included 246 undergraduate midwifery students. Midwifery students’ anxiety toward scientific research was found to be low and their attitudes toward scientific research were positive. The attitudes of students who have experience in doing scientific research, participated in scientific congresses/symposia, have the desire to do scientific research under the guidance of a consultant and follow periodicals, were found to be more positive. Anxiety and positive attitude toward scientific research were found to be negatively related. The results of the regression analysis showed that the students’ Research Anxiety affected their Attitude Toward Scientific Research. Students’ experiences of conducting scientific research reduce anxiety and affect attitudes positively. Therefore, undergraduate students should be actively involved in scientific research and activities.