Use of Electronic Databases to Access Research Literature Among Nurses for Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Indian Nurses.

Abstract

Purpose: Access to electronic databases is crucial for enabling evidence-based practice in nursing, enhancing patient care and clinical outcomes. In developing countries like India, there is limited data on the extent to which nurses use these databases in daily practice, affecting evidence-based practice adoption. This study aimed to assess (1) the usage of electronic databases by nurses for accessing research literature to support evidence-based practice, and (2) the relationship between socio-demographic factors and both the usage of and confidence in using these databases.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nursing professionals in North India, encompassing those in clinical practice, education, and research. A 15-item online questionnaire collected socio-demographic and professional data, information on database use (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane), confidence in usage, and perceived barriers. Chi-square analyses explored associations between variables.

Results: Among 506 respondents (mean age 36.09 ± 9.6 years), 68% reported using electronic databases, while 55.5% preferred general search engines like Google for clinical queries. About 30% lacked access to databases. No significant association was observed between electronic database usage and age, gender, or years of experience. However, significant associations were found with qualifications (p = 0.000), area of work (p = 0.000), and access to computers at work (p = 0.009) or home (p = 0.000). Usage was also significantly associated with the medical-surgical nursing specialty (p = 0.014).

Conclusion: Enhancing evidence-based practice among nurses requires addressing barriers to database access, improving resource availability, and promoting continuous professional development across diverse nursing settings.