Knowledge and views of parents regarding ethical aspects of medical research among their children in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives Appropriate ethical framework should be considered when research involves children. The purpose of this study was to investigate parental knowledge and views regarding the ethical aspects of participation in medical research involving their children. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted at different areas in Jordan. The questionnaire was administered to the parents using a face‐to‐face interview. Key findings A total of 2000 questionnaires were collected from Jordanian parents, and 72.4% of them were knowledgeable. Parents with Bachelor's degree (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.05–1.68; P = 0.016) and monthly income >1000 JD (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.50–2.98; P < 0.001) indicated better knowledge. In contrast, parents with comorbidity were found to be less knowledgeable (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.44–0.82; P = 0.001). The majority of parents agreed on that different factors such as permission of partner and involvement of healthcare professionals could affect their children's participation in medical research. Interestingly, three quarters of parents (76.3%) were willing to let their children participate in research to help others. Conclusions These findings highlighted that parental educational level and high monthly income were predictors of good ethical research knowledge, which was opposed by parental comorbidity. Further investigations of other perspectives influencing the decision‐making process of children participation in research, including children and paediatricians, are highly recommended.

Understanding and attitudes of the Jordanian public about clinical research ethics

“…Overall, 75% of respondents were found to have good knowledge and a positive attitude towards clinical research/ethics. This finding was very similar to a study with Jordanian parents about ethical issues associated with children’s’ participation in medical research (Almomani et al, 2020).…”

“…A further related study evaluated Jordanian parents’ knowledge and views of medical research with children. Around 72% of parents were found to be knowledgeable about the ethical aspects of research with children and 76.3% were willing to allow their children to participate in research (Almomani et al, 2020).…”