Utilization of Conceptual and Theoretical Framework in Research by Nurse Educators in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria
Conducting research as basis to acquiring valid knowledge to promote professionalism in nursing requires use of conceptual framework (CF) to guide such studies. This study examined Nurse Educators’ (NE) utilization of CF in research during and after training in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to study a convenient sample of 84 subjects representing 36% of the target population of 231 NE in the two states. A 32-item validated questionnaire was used for data collection. While 77% of the respondents used CF during training, only 35% did so after training period. Utilization of CF in the sub-sections of the research was: Introduction (Mean=4.30; SD=1.30), Literature review (Mean=7.29;SD= 1.95), Methodology (Mean=3.62;SD=1.02) and Discussions (Mean=5.10; SD=1.51). Utilization of CF was mostly limited to literature review and very low after training period. Continuing education programmes should be used to improve knowledge and skills for application of CF in research.
