Attitudes Regarding Enrollment in a Genetic Research Project: An Informed Consent Simulation Study Comparing Views of People With Depression, Diabetes, and Neither Condition

Abstract

In this study, participants with a self-reported history of depression, diabetes, or no illness underwent a simulated informed consent process for a hypothetical genetic study related to depression or diabetes. Participants completed a survey assessing their perceived understanding of the research process, perceptions of its risks and benefits, their satisfaction with the informed consent process, and their readiness to make a hypothetical enrollment decision. All participants indicated strong readiness to make an enrollment decision regarding the research characterized in the simulation. Participants reported understanding the consent process relatively well and being generally satisfied with it. Greater concerns were expressed regarding psychosocial risks than biological risks for genetic studies on mental disorders. Our study documented positive attitudes toward volunteering for research that involved the collection of genetic data.