Abstract
BackgroundBiobanks are considered primary means+ of supporting contemporary research, in order to deliver personalized and precise diagnostics with public acceptance and participation as a cornerstone for their success.AimsThis study aims to assess knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards biomedical research and biobanking among students at the University of Jordan.MethodologyAn online questionnaire was designed, developed, and piloted. It was divided into 5 sections that included questions related to issues of biomedical research and biobanking as well as factors influencing the decision to participate.ResultsResponses from 435 students revealed that 52.9% previously heard of biobanks. There was an overwhelming acceptance for participation in biomedical, genetic, and biobanking research. A blood sample was the most preferred for donation. Protection of privacy, informed consent prior to donation, approval of an ethics committee, and trust towards researchers were the most important factors associated with willingness to participate. On the other hand, the vagueness of the type of research performed on the biospecimens and the unavailability of general research results to the donor had a negative connotation. There was no clear agreement on the type of informed consent preferred by students, but to be contacted and informed of research results was preferred by the majority. Students also preferred the disposal of biospecimens and information when deciding to withdraw from participation.ConclusionThere is strong enthusiasm among students to participate in biomedical research and biobanking with all rights reserved thus providing hope for a very promising future in Jordan.
Highlights
Biobanks are considered primary means+ of supporting contemporary research, in order to deliver personalized and precise diagnostics with public acceptance and participation as a cornerstone for their success
Protection of privacy, informed consent prior to donation, approval of an ethics committee, and trust towards researchers were the most important factors associated with willingness to participate
There was no clear agreement on the type of informed consent pre‐ ferred by students, but to be contacted and informed of research results was preferred by the majority
Summary
Biobanks are considered primary means+ of supporting contemporary research, in order to deliver personalized and precise diagnostics with public acceptance and participation as a cornerstone for their success. Biobanks are well established in highincome countries but are slowly emerging in low- and middle-income countries. Biobanking refers to the process by which biospecimens, along with associated data, are collected and Khatib et al BMC Medical Ethics (2021) 22:152 stored in repositories under optimal conditions. These high-quality biospecimens may be disseminated to researchers to identify disease biomarkers, for example, and to improve the understanding of health and disease [4]. Biobanks have played an important role throughout pandemics. With the COVID-19 pandemic defining the years 2020 and 2021, the whole world is witnessing the international efforts for vaccine and therapeutic development, which further highlights the importance of patient biospecimens [6]
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