Perceptions Towards Medical Research Participation: A Study from Jordan.

Abstract

PurposeProgress and development in medical researches require the participation of volunteers in such research, but unfortunately, the participation rate is low. This study aimed to assess Jordanian public perceptions towards participation in medical research and to understand motivators and barriers that may affect their participation.Patients and MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020. Adults from the public were invited to participate in this paper-based survey. The survey assessed public perception (values, trust and ethics), motivators, and barriers towards participation in medical research.ResultsDuring the study period, 2000 subjects were recruited. Around 82.3% (n = 1643) strongly agreed/agreed that medical research is important for the advancement of science. Helping the society was found to be the main motivators to participate in medical research (n = 1708, 85.4%), while time constrains (n = 1400, 70.0%), lack of opportunity (n = 1278, 63.9%), and the lack of knowledge and awareness about these researches (n = 1152, 57.6%) were among the top barriers towards the participation in medical research. Finally, results showed that previous participation in medical research was correlated with lower overall perception of values and ethics of research, and higher trust in research (p-value <0.001).ConclusionJordanians have positive perception toward participation in medical research, which could be improved by increasing awareness, trust, and training of researchers on responsible conduct of research(RCR) in the country.