Public Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Clinical Trial Participation: A Mixed Method Study in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania
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Date
2026-01-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Glint Publications
Abstract
Background: Clinical trials are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving
healthcare delivery. However, participants’ knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials remain
a key challenge affecting clinical trial recruitment and participant retention. Therefore, this study
aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Bagamoyo district towards participation in
clinical trials. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted among adults
in the Bagamoyo district. A multistage Stratified random sampling was used to select participants.
Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using logistic regression, while qualitative data
were analysed thematically using NVivo.
Results: Among 394 recruited participants, 293 (74.4%) were female and 101 (25.6%) male. Most
participants had a primary level education (266, 67.5%), while 128 (32.5%) had secondary or
tertiary education. The majority were married (297, 75.4%), and 97 (24.6%) were either
separated or unmarried. Regarding economic status, 244 participants (61.9%) earned less than
Tsh. 50,000. General knowledge of clinical trials was low, with most participants scoring below
60%. However, we found a positive attitude towards participation in clinical trials. Logistic
regression revealed that poor knowledge was significantly associated with being male (AOR, 22.95
(95% CI: 10.27–51.28, p = 0.001)), age above 55 years (AOR of 2.43 (95% CI: 1.29–4.55, p =
0.006)) and unemployment (AOR of 2.39 (95% CI: 1.27–4.53, p = 0.007)). Positive attitudes
towards clinical trial participation were significantly associated with being female (AOR) 7.61 (95%
CI: 4.32–13.39, p < 0.001), age 44 years and below, (AOR: 2.22 (95% CI: 1.27–3.86, p = 0.005)
and employment (AOR of 1.89 (95% CI: 1.08–3.32, p = 0.03).
Conclusions: Despite low levels of knowledge, the general population in the Bagamoyo district
demonstrated a high willingness to participate in clinical trials. To address the knowledge gap,
targeted educational interventions should focus on older adults and the unemployed. Furthermore,
policies supporting community outreach and awareness campaigns may help strengthen public
understanding and sustain positive attitudes toward clinical research.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
Clinical Trials, Awareness, Public Knowledge, Attitudes, Participation, Mixed-Methods, Perception, Tanzania