Perceptions, Challenges, and Future Directions of Respiratory Care Research in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background: Research engagement among respiratory therapists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia remains understudied. Understanding the factors that facilitate or impede research participation and scholarly publication is essential for developing targeted strategies to strengthen the evidence base in respiratory care. Objective: This study aimed to explore respiratory therapists’ perceptions, identify challenges and barriers, and examine future directions for advancing respiratory care research in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to licensed RTs practicing across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire captured demographic characteristics, research engagement history, attitudes toward research, and rankings of eight commonly cited barriers. Two multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sex, work experience, degree level, and workplace type, identified independent predictors of (1) research participation and (2) publication among those who had participated. Barrier rankings were compared between publishers and non-publishers using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 291 RTs completed the survey. Male sex, higher degree level, and shorter work experience were independent predictors of research participation. Among research participants (N = 191), graduating from an international university (OR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.15–12.61, p = 0.029), and greater work experience (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.27, p = 0.047), were independent predictors of publication. Lack of skill and knowledge was the major barrier to research overall. Conclusion: Research engagement among Saudi RTs is moderate, with a considerable gap between participation and publication. Participation is independently predicted by male sex, higher degree level, and shorter work experience, while publication is independently predicted by international education and greater work experience. Targeted multi-level interventions that address gender equity, postgraduate education, research training, and institutional support are needed to close the participation-publication gap. .