Perceived Barriers to Research Utilisation Among Nurses at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital

Background: Evidence-based practice requires nurses to integrate research findings into clinical decisions. However, barriers to research utilisation persist in Nigerian nursing settings, limiting quality improvement. Aim: This study identified perceived barriers to research utilisation among nurses at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited 90 registered nurses through total enumeration. The Barriers to Research Utilisation Scale (BARRIERS) was adapted and administered. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 26. Results: The most frequently cited barriers were insufficient time to read research (76%), inability to critically appraise research articles (65%), and lack of administrative support for practice change (58%). Nurses with postgraduate qualifications reported fewer barriers. Only 21% of respondents reported accessing nursing journals in the preceding month. Conclusion: Multiple organisational and individual barriers impede research utilisation in Nigerian nursing. Targeted journal clubs, research mentorship programmes, protected time for professional reading, and institutional support for evidence-based practice committees are recommended to bridge this gap. Keywords: research utilisation, evidence-based practice, nurses, barriers, Ekiti.