Category Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Research Competence Among Chinese Specialty Nurses: A Latent Profile Analysis

Aim: This study uses latent profile analysis to explore the latent characteristics of research competence among speciality nurses and its influencing factors.

Design: This study is a cross-sectional study.

Methods: From January to February 2024, 813 speciality nurses were recruited from five tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China, using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included a scientific research ability self-evaluation rating scale of nursing staff and a reflective practice questionnaire. Conducted latent profile analysis of the research competence characteristics of speciality nurses and identified the influencing factors of their latent profiles through univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. Data were analysed using Mplus version 8.3 and SPSS version 26.0.

Results: A total of 792 speciality nurses were enrolled, with a valid response rate of 97.42%. We identified three latent categories of research competence among speciality nurses: an uneven research competence group (30.93%), a high research competence group (19.07%), and a moderate research competence group (50.0%). Multiple logistic regressions indicated that single speciality nurses were more likely to belong to the moderate research competence group (OR = 2.04, p = 0.003); speciality nurses with a college diploma were more likely to belong to the uneven research competence group (OR = 0.04, p = 0.005); specialty nurses who are permanent staff were more likely to belong to the high research competence group (OR = 1.946, p = 0.031); reflective practice was an important factor affecting the research competence of speciality nurses (OR = 0.985-1.015, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The majority of speciality nurses were classified into the moderate research competence group. Nursing managers should focus on enhancing the research awareness of speciality nurses and strengthening research training for those with lower educational backgrounds. Additionally, it is recommended to establish incentive mechanisms for nurses participating in research to enhance their research enthusiasm and foster their reflective practice skills throughout the research process.

Impact: The latent characteristics and influencing factors of research competence among different categories of speciality nurses provide valuable evidence for developing individualised intervention strategies.

No patient or public contributions: This study aims to explore the factors related to the research competence of speciality nurses. There were no contributions from patients or the public.