Doing randomized controlled trials in a developing country: some practical realities.
BACKGROUND
Formal randomized controlled trial results are often reported. The difficulties of doing such trial are not. Developing countries represent a new field in which trials can be undertaken. In this context even less is known about the practicalities involved.


RESULTS
A randomized, double-blind, parallel study took significantly longer than expected to complete and subject recruitment and participation fell short of expectations. Different recruitment strategies were used and these performed differently in terms of enrolling trialists. Subjects most frequently left the trial in its early stages.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible explanations for these findings include the demography of the country, cultural factors, and the existence of an established doctor-patient relationship.
Glasgow
N J
NJ
Department of Family Medicine, FMHS, University of the United Arab Emirates, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Murdoch
J C
JC
Baynouna
L
L
al Sabosy
M M
MM
al Jabiri
O N
ON
Harron
D W
DW
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019808:Losartan; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018579:Patient Selection; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014479:United Arab Emirates
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D007093:Imidazoles; D013777:Tetrazoles; D019808:Losartan