title: Attitudes of Patients in Developing Countries Toward Participating in Clinical Trials: A Survey of Saudi Patients Attending Primary Health Care Services.
abstract: Clinical trials are experimental projects that include patients as subjects. A number of benefits are directly associated with clinical trials. Healthcare processes and outcomes can be improved with the help of clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and beliefs of patients about their contribution to and enrolment in clinical trials.
  
  
  
  A cross-sectional study design was used for data collection and analysis. A questionnaire was developed with six categories to derive effective outcomes.
  
  
  
  Of the 2000 participants approached to take part in the study, 1081 agreed. The majority of the study population was female, well educated, and unaware of clinical trials. Only 324 subjects (30.0%) had previously agreed to participate in a clinical trial. The majority (87.1%) were motivated to participate in clinical trials due to religious aspects. However, fear of any risk was the principal reason (79.8%) that reduced their motivation to participate.
  
  
  
  The results of this study revealed that patients in Saudi Arabia have a low awareness and are less willing to participate in clinical trials. Different motivational factors and awareness programs can be used to increase patient participation in the future.
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Lateefa O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Al-Dakhil
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Reem
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alanazy
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Rakan E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: AlHamad
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Hazem
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Al-Mandeel
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology, Women's Specialized Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdulaziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alobaid
keywords: Attitudes; Clinical Trial; Religious Beliefs