Attitudes and motivations regarding willingness to participate in dental clinical trials

BACKGROUND: This study examined attitudes about research, knowledge of the research process, reasons for and satisfaction with participation in a dental clinical trial as a function of demographic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 180 adults were invited to complete a 47-item survey at the completion of a 10-week dental product study at a Midwestern academic dental center. Seven demographic items included gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, household income, location of usual dental care, and dental insurance. Forty items assessed: attitudes about research; knowledge of the research process; perception of the study team; perceived risks/benefits; health perceptions; and general satisfaction with the study. RESULTS: 176 participants completed the questionnaire for a 98% response rate. African Americans were more likely to attribute Fate/God as more important to their health and their willingness to participate in research than whites, and more likely to report non-supportive social norms when compared to whites and other groups. Individuals in the 45–59 age group were less likely to attribute financial reimbursement as a motivator for their participation in research compared to all other age groups. Individuals with less education rated Fate/God attitudes as important to their research participation, reported lower autonomy for participation, and reported less supportive social norms compared to those with some college education. Participants in the four income categories showed significant differences in reasons for participation and desire for free care. CONCLUSION: Motivations for participation of a Midwestern population of research subjects are dependent on age, ethnicity, belief in Fate/God, education, social norms and income.