Knowledge and Practice of Research Ethics among Biomedical Researchers in Southern Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

Objective: The knowledge and application of ethical principles to the conduct of human subjects’ research is crucial to the integrity of the research industry. This study sought to assess the knowledge and practice of research ethics among biomedical researchers in research institutions in southern Nigeria. Methods: Four tertiary biomedical research institutions from the three geo-political zones situated in the southern part of Nigeria were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Research participants were then selected by purposive sampling from these institutions. The knowledge and practice of research ethics among the study participants were assessed with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done with Stata version 10SE. Results: A total of 102 biomedical researchers (66 males and 36 females) with a mean age of 39.8 (SD 7.0) years participated in the study. Forty-five percent knew that ethical review of research is for the protection of research participants from harm though sixty-four percent had attended at least one training seminar in research ethics. About fifteen percent knew of any international ethical guideline. Approximately eighty-five percent agreed that independent ethical review of protocol is important but only forty-eight percent received ethical approval for their research. Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of research ethics is inadequate among Nigerian biomedical researchers. Attendance at ethics seminar did not reflect knowledge and practice of research ethics. The knowledge and practice of research ethics need improvement. The independent review of research protocols must be obligatory.