People who take part in clinical trials often do so out of a desire to advance scientific knowledge and to help others, a new international study demonstrates. The findings contrast with a held belief that trial investigators often take advantage of participants, particularly those in resource-poor settings.
The survey questioned 582 HIV positive people from Argentina, Brazil and Thailand who had been taking part in a clinical trial for an average of two and a half years which compares antiretroviral drugs alone to antiretroviral drugs plus interleukin 2 (IL-2) . When asked to state 'the single most important reason' for why they continued to participate in the study, obtaining medical or personal benefit topped the list, while a wish to make a contribution to science came in second.
Nine out of 10 of the study participants said they felt they were making a contribution to society, while 84 percent said they felt proud of this contribution.
However...
"Some individuals can feel exploited even when the vast majority of participants embrace the goals of the study and express pride regarding their role," the researchers write.
"Future research should consider what steps investigators can take to help patient participants recognize and embrace the goals of the research in which they participate and address any concerns regarding exploitation," they suggest.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKCOL45207020080704