Perceived barriers to research engagement among anesthesia care providers in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Research engagement among healthcare professionals is essential for advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes. In anesthesia, research informs perioperative safety, clinical decision-making, and innovation. This study aimed to identify and describe perceived barriers to research engagement among anesthesia care providers in Saudi Arabia, a population not previously examined in this setting. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and August 2025 among anesthesia technicians, technologists, anesthesiologists, and academicians across Saudi Arabia. A structured, web-based questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and perceived barriers across three domains: personal/professional, workplace, and institutional factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and are presented as median (interquartile range [IQR]) or frequency (%). RESULTS: A total of 120 participants completed the survey. The median age was 34 years (IQR 27-39), and 79% (95/120) were male. Although 75% (90/120) reported motivation to engage in research and 69% (83/120) perceived adequate research skills, only 41% (49/120) reported having dedicated research time. Administrative workload limited research productivity for 47% (56/120) of participants, and only 23% (28/120) reported protected workplace research time. At the institutional level, 43% (52/120) reported financial support for research, whereas 57% (68/120) agreed that institutional resources were sufficient. Structural constraints were reported more frequently than lack of individual motivation. CONCLUSION: Despite strong research motivation, anesthesia care providers in Saudi Arabia face substantial structural barriers. Addressing protected time, mentorship, and institutional support may strengthen research engagement and foster a sustainable research culture within anesthesia departments.