Barriers to Research in Primary Health Care in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

The promotion of research in the context of Primary Health Care remains a challenge worldwide. This study aims to identify the most relevant research barriers perceived by primary health care professionals in Portugal. We also examine whether these perceived barriers vary by geographical area, professional group, workplace, and participants' interest and experience in research.

Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we conducted an online survey to collect quantitative data. This study builds upon a prior qualitative study, which identified key barriers to research in this context. Eligible participants were primary healthcare professionals working in Portugal who consented to participate. Descriptive analyses and group comparisons using parametric and non-parametric tests were conducted. The study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.

A total of 1027 Portuguese primary care professionals participated in the study, the majority being female (79%) with an average age of 42 years. Most participants were physicians (49%) or nurses (37%), and over half worked in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region (52%). A majority of participants (86%) consider that there are barriers to research. The main barriers identified were lack of time, limited institutional support, insufficient training and funding, as well as bureaucratic burden and lack of professional valorization. Perceived barriers varied according to professional group, workplace, and previous research experience and training.

The findings suggest that certain aspects may be unique to our country, underscoring the importance of tailoring strategies to address research barriers based on professional profiles and regional contexts. This highlights the need for local context evaluation and suggests that replicating the study in other countries could provide valuable insights for improving local policies. While this research offers a foundational understanding, further studies are necessary to refine these findings and assess their broader applicability. Policymakers should consider these results when designing interventions to foster a robust research culture in primary healthcare in Portugal. Additionally, these insights could serve as a model for strengthening research capacity in primary care internationally.