Knowledge and perception of a clinical trial among the participants: An experience from oral cholera vaccine study in Koshi Province, Nepal

• Main Authors: Shipra Chaudhary (Author), Surendra Uranw (Author), Basant Rai (Author), Nisha Keshary Bhatta (Author), Gauri Shankar Shah (Author), Prakash Poudel (Author), Basudha Khanal (Author), Rosan Prasad Shah Kalawar (Author), Nikita Rai (Author), Jenisha Shrestha (Author), Merina Shrestha (Author), Shalu Parajuli (Author), Birendra Prasad Gupta (Author), Sridhar Vemula (Author), Katerina Rok Song (Author), Julia Lynch (Author), Tarun Saluja (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2416760; 2164-554X; 2164-5515
• Keywords: Clinical trial; knowledge; perception; participants; oral cholera vaccine; Immunologic diseases. Allergy; RC581-607; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, Vol 20, Iss 1 (2024)

Clinical trials (CT) have been the cornerstones in developing medicines, vaccines, and new interventions. Despite tremendous efforts, a CT cannot succeed without participants' involvement. Various factors can affect people's attitude and participation in a CT. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of a clinical trial among the participants of a CT at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. This was a population-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during 2021-2022. Participants involved in a phase III clinical trial were enrolled, and an in-depth interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Demographic information, knowledge and perception about CT were assessed, and a descriptive analysis was done. Among 622 participants, the majority were males (321; 51.6%), literate (587; 94.37%), of indigenous ethnic groups (Janajatis 61.4%), and without previous experience of CT (504; 81.1%). The majority had adequate knowledge (566/622; 91%) and positive perception (595/622; 95.7%) of CT. Most participants (467; 75.1%) had participated in CT to get protection from the particular disease from the provided vaccine and (603; 96.9%) believed CT to benefit mankind. Further studies comparing pre- and post-participation knowledge and perception might be helpful for planning and better management of CTs in such settings.