Attitudes of dental patients towards participation in research

ABSTRACT

The attitudes of dental patients towards participation in research and the independent socioeconomic factors associated with these attitudes are not known.A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 120 patients attending dental clinics in Amman, Jordan.For patients who had previously participated in research [N = 28], motivating factors for most [>75%]included a desire to help others and to advance science.Most respondents [81.7%]showed interest in participating in questionnaire-based research, but fewer would participate in invasive research, e.g.biopsies [22.0%]and drilling teeth [21.2%]. Reasons given for not participating in research included fear of infectious diseases [71.3%]and pain [62.1%]. Factors considered important in enhancing research participation included being asked to give informed consent [98.2%], fairness in selection of participants [97.3%]and the prospect of humanitarian benefit [96.5%]. Sex and education level were significantly associated with patients' perceptions for several of items.To enhance recruitment, researchers should be aware of people's perspectives regarding participation in research