What predicts dissemination efforts among public health researchers in the United States?

Abstract

Objectives. We identified factors related to dissemination efforts by researchers to non-research audiences to reduce the gap between research generation and uptake in public health practice. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 266 researchers at universities, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and CDC. We identified scientists using a search of public health journals and lists from government-sponsored research. The scientists completed a 35-item online survey in 2012. Using multivariable logistic regression, we compared self-rated effort to disseminate findings to non-research audiences (excellent/good vs. poor) across predictor variables in three categories: perceptions or reasons to disseminate, perceived expectation by employer/funders, and professional training and experience. Results. One-third of researchers rated their dissemination efforts as poor. Many factors were significantly related to whether a researcher rated him/ herself as excellent/good, including obligation to disseminate findings (odds ratio [OR] 5 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 6.8), dissemination important for their department (OR52.3, 95% CI 1.2, 4.5), dissemination expected by employer (OR52.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.2) or by funder (OR52.1, 95% CI 1.3, 3.2), previous work in a practice/policy setting (OR54.4, 95% CI 2.1, 9.3), and university researchers with Prevention Research Center affiliation vs. NIH researchers (OR54.7, 95% CI 1.4, 15.7). With all variables in the model, dissemination expected by funder (OR52.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.1) and previous work in a practice/ policy setting (OR53.5, OR 1.7, 7.1) remained significant. Conclusions. These findings support the need for structural changes to the system, including funding agency priorities and participation of researchers in practiceand policy-based experiences, which may enhance efforts to disseminate by researchers. © 2014 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.