Rural cancer patients' perspectives on clinical trials: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
To increase the participation of low-income, rural cancer patients in clinical trials, a better understanding of patients' attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs is needed.


METHODS
In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 cancer patients living in rural West Virginia.


RESULTS
Patients had limited knowledge regarding clinical trials. Factors that might influence their decisions to participate include location of the treatment facility, physician recommendation, disease status, side effects of the treatment, and the perceived effectiveness of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Rural, low-income cancer patients should be better informed about clinical trials, when applicable. Physician trust may enhance willingness to participate if clinical trials are close to home.
Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virgina University, P.O. Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. ccoyne@hsc.edu
Cathy A
CA
Coyne
Cristina
C
Demian-Popescu
Pamela
P
Brown
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D012424:Rural Population; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology; D014903:West Virginia