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Al-Shami KM, Ahmed WS, Alzoubi KH. Attitudes Toward Providing Open Access for Use of Biospecimens and Health Records: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:895-903. [PMID: 37013082 PMCID: PMC10066730 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s402769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Biospecimen repositories and big data generated from clinical research are critically important in advancing patient-centered healthcare. However, ethical considerations arising from reusing clinical samples and health records for subsequent research pose a hurdle for big-data health research. This study aims to assess the public's opinions in Jordan toward providing blanket consent for using biospecimens and health records in research. Participants and Methods A cross-sectional study utilizing a self-reported questionnaire was carried out in different cities in Jordan, targeting adult participants. Outcome variables included awareness of clinical research, participation in clinical research, and opinions toward providing open access to clinical samples and records for research purposes. Descriptive analysis was utilized for reporting the outcome as frequency (percentages) out of the total responses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the association between independent variables and the outcome of interest. Results A total of 1033 eligible participants completed the questionnaire. Although the majority (90%) were aware of clinical research, only 24% have ever participated in this type of research. About half (51%) agreed on providing blanket consent for the use of clinical samples, while a lower percentage (43%) agreed on providing open access to their health records. Privacy concerns and lack of trust in the researcher were cited as major barriers to providing blanket consent. Participation in clinical research and having health insurance were predictors for providing open access to clinical samples and records. Conclusion The lack of public trust in Jordan toward data privacy is evident from this study. Therefore, a governance framework is needed to raise and maintain the public's trust in big-data research that warrants the future reuse of clinical samples and records. As such, the current study provides valuable insights that will inform the design of effective consent protocols required in data-intensive health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Al-Shami
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Wesam S Ahmed
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
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Ahram M, Abdelgawad F, ElHafeez SA, Abdelhafiz AS, Ibrahim ME, Elgamri A, Mohammed Z, El-Rhazi K, Elsebaie E, Gamel E, Shahouri M, Mostafa NT, Adarmouch L, Silverman H. Perceptions, attitudes, and willingness of the public in low- and middle-income countries of the Arab region to participate in biobank research. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:122. [PMID: 36457067 PMCID: PMC9713115 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Population-based genomics studies have proven successful in identifying genetic variants associated with diseases. High-quality biospecimens linked with informative health data from diverse segments of the population have made such research possible. However, the success of biobank research depends on the willingness of the public to participate in this type of research. We aimed to explore the factors associated with the willingness of the public to participate in biobank research from four low- and middle-income countries in the Arab region (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Sudan). We used a previously validated questionnaire to assess several constructs that included the public's perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to participate in biobank research. We recruited 967 participants. More than half did not have prior awareness of biobanks. Participants' willingness to donate biospecimens and health data was less than 10%. Our results also showed that participants harbored concerns with trust, privacy, and with data-sharing involving international researchers. Predictors of willingness to participate in biobank research included no previous involvement in research and positive attitudes toward biobanks. Finally, our study showed several differences between the four countries regarding several of the investigated constructs. We conclude there should be additional efforts to raise public awareness and enhance perceptions of the public in biobanking research to enhance trust. We further recommend qualitative research to explore the underlying factors that contribute to the public's concerns with international data sharing that would enhance global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoun Ahram
- grid.9670.80000 0001 2174 4509School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fatma Abdelgawad
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar Abd ElHafeez
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Maha Emad Ibrahim
- grid.33003.330000 0000 9889 5690Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Alya Elgamri
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Mohammed
- grid.411662.60000 0004 0412 4932Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Karima El-Rhazi
- Faculty of Medicine of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Eman Elsebaie
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehsan Gamel
- grid.9763.b0000 0001 0674 6207Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Latifa Adarmouch
- grid.411840.80000 0001 0664 9298Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Henry Silverman
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Al-Shami KM, Ahmed WS, Alzoubi KH. Motivators and barriers towards clinical research participation: A population-based survey from an Arab MENA country. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270300. [PMID: 35749422 PMCID: PMC9231817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Jordan was the first Arab country to enact clinical research regulations. The country has a well-flourished pharmaceutical industry that leans heavily on clinical research (CR) for drug development and post-marketing surveillance. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to assess the public's awareness and attitude towards CR as well as their perceived motivators and barriers to CR participation. A population-based, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the general public in Jordan. Among the 1061 participants in this survey, 74% reported being aware of CR. The majority (70%) agreed to the role of CR in health promotion. Online information and healthcare staff were the two main sources of CR information for the participants. About 25% of the participants received prior invitations to participate in CR with 21% agreeing to participate. However, most participants of the current study (63%) were willing to participate in future CR. Contributing to science, benefiting others, and promoting one's own health were the top motivating factors for participating in CR; while time constraints, fear of research procedure, and lack of interest were the most cited reasons for rejecting participation. Filling out questionnaire surveys, donating blood samples, and participating in physical examinations were the main CR contributions of the participants. Nearly 31% of the participants believed that CR is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner, while 57% did not have an opinion regarding the same matter. In addition, 49% and 44% were neutral with regards to the degree of harm and confidentiality posed by CR. While only 27% disagreed that CR exposes participants to some form of harm, 48% either strongly agreed (15%) or agreed (33%) that it maintains high level of confidentiality for participants. The current study provides insight into the public's perception of CR in Jordan as well as its motivating factors and perceived barriers towards participating in CR. We envisage to utilize this insight as an aid in the design of vigilant future awareness campaigns and recruitment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M. Al-Shami
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Wesam S. Ahmed
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Sharing, reuse, and storage of biosamples among biomedical researchers in Jordan: Practice and concerns. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267552. [PMID: 35482729 PMCID: PMC9049300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharing and reuse biosamples can facilitate biomedical research. Little is known about researchers' perception and practice about sharing, reusing, and storing biosamples in Jordan. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the practices of biomedical researchers in Jordan regarding biosamples management. METHODS The study was cross-sectional and involved biomedical researchers from different parts of Jordan. A questionnaire was designed to achieve the aim of this study. The questionnaire was web-based and distributed via e-mails using Google forms. RESULTS Opinions of Jordanian biomedical researchers from different academic ranks and institutional backgrounds were measured and recorded anonymously. The majority of the sample was males (57.9%), from public universities (64.3%), and (64.6%) were from health-related fields. About 82.9% of participants stored biosamples using codes, whereas the rest used the subject's name. Sharing of biosamples was commonly practiced by 61.7% of Jordanian researchers locally, while 47.2% of the Jordanian researchers shared biosamples overseas. The reuse of biosamples in other projects was reported to be 55.4%. The majority explained the possibility of reusing and sharing biosamples in the consent form (range: 53-58%). Sharing and reusing biosamples were associated with gender, the number of publications in peer-reviewed international journals, and academic rank (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Sharing and reusing biosamples are common among Jordanian biomedical researchers. Therefore, ethically grounded biosamples sharing and reuse standards are essential for protecting human subjects' rights and privacy in Jordan.
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Al-Zboon E, Kabour OF, Alzoubi KH. Exploring Knowledge and Perceptions of Faculty Members about Authorship: A Study from Jordan. EUROPEAN ONLINE JOURNAL OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022; 11:309-315. [PMID: 36937220 PMCID: PMC10023260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Authorship has important implications and carries considerable responsibilities. The present study explored faculty members knowledge and perceptions of authorship at Jordanian universities. For this research a survey was distributed to faculty members at three major universities in Jordan. The study found that only 33% of the participants were aware about International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). In addition, the knowledge of the participants about basic principles of authorship was rated as medium. The number of research and level of ICMJE knowledge was found to exert a significant effect on commitment to authorship principle subscale score. Finally, the majority expressed good authorship believes that graduate students should be the lead authors on the publications that are derived from their thesis. Knowledge about authorship principles among faculty members in Jordan needs improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Al-Zboon
- Department of Special Education, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Omar F. Kabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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Alrabadi NN, Mukattash TL, Alzoubi KH, Abu-Farha RK, Khabour OF, Mhaidat NM. Awareness of pharmacy researchers about the national research code of ethics: A study from Jordan. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07180. [PMID: 34141937 PMCID: PMC8187811 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Jordan, research ethics have been subject to increasingly formal regulations and structuring. Recently the Ministry of Higher Education and Research Published the National Research Code of Ethics. However, little is known about the awareness of pharmacology researchers of this code and the extent of its applicability to their research. METHODS Purposeful sampling through institutions' websites was used to identify staff members with excellent profiles from 20 Faculties of Pharmacy in Jordan. After obtaining the required approvals, in-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo 11 Software. The interviews followed a previously prepared and validated interview guide that covered various aspects of education, research, and training. KEY FINDINGS Eighteen members of staff agreed to take part in the study. Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes each concerning respondents' awareness of the National Code of Research Ethics in Jordan. The emerging themes were: the lack of awareness regarding the code of ethics, the need for clear guidelines for pharmacology research in Jordan, and the need for further workshops and training courses for pharmacology researchers. CONCLUSION This study highlights a lack of awareness regarding the presence of the National Research Ethics Code among pharmacology researchers in Jordan. This might have negative implications on medical research. It was thought that the code of ethics should be incorporated in postgraduate pharmacy education, training courses for pharmacy researchers, and workshops for pharmacy academic staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasr N. Alrabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan,Corresponding author.
| | - Tareq L. Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rana K. Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar F. Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nizar M. Mhaidat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Abu Farha R, Alzoubi K, Khabour O, Mukattash T. Perceptions Towards Medical Research Participation: A Study from Jordan. J Multidiscip Healthc 2020; 13:901-907. [PMID: 32982266 PMCID: PMC7500847 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s272696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Progress and development in medical researches require the participation of volunteers in such research, but unfortunately, the participation rate is low. This study aimed to assess Jordanian public perceptions towards participation in medical research and to understand motivators and barriers that may affect their participation. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020. Adults from the public were invited to participate in this paper-based survey. The survey assessed public perception (values, trust and ethics), motivators, and barriers towards participation in medical research. RESULTS During the study period, 2000 subjects were recruited. Around 82.3% (n = 1643) strongly agreed/agreed that medical research is important for the advancement of science. Helping the society was found to be the main motivators to participate in medical research (n = 1708, 85.4%), while time constrains (n = 1400, 70.0%), lack of opportunity (n = 1278, 63.9%), and the lack of knowledge and awareness about these researches (n = 1152, 57.6%) were among the top barriers towards the participation in medical research. Finally, results showed that previous participation in medical research was correlated with lower overall perception of values and ethics of research, and higher trust in research (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION Jordanians have positive perception toward participation in medical research, which could be improved by increasing awareness, trust, and training of researchers on responsible conduct of research(RCR) in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman11931, Jordan
| | - Karem Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid22110, Jordan
| | - Omar Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid22110, Jordan
| | - Tareq Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid22110, Jordan
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Swedan S, Khabour OF, Alzoubi KH, Aljabali AAA. Graduate students reported practices regarding the issue of informed consent and maintaining of data confidentiality in a developing country. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04940. [PMID: 32995624 PMCID: PMC7505757 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Research involving human subjects requires strict adherence to ethical principles, including informed consent and assuring data confidentiality. Herein, a questionnaire was utilized to assess compliance of graduate students who conduct research involving human subjects in Jordan with proper practices related to informed consent and maintaining of data confidentiality. Among the 251 respondents, 55.4% were from health-related fields, 61.4% undertook research involving humans, and 48.6% did research requiring institutional review board approval. Only 37.1% of respondents reported exposure to research ethics education during their graduate study. Satisfactory adherence to informed consent practices was reported at rates of 56.0%-67.5%. Satisfactory adherence to practices related to data confidentiality and study participants' anonymity was reported at rates of 67.3%-74.7%. Sharing of data or samples with others was reported at a rate of 24.3%. The rates of adherence to proper informed consent practices and practices that maintain data confidentiality were less than ideal. Significant policy changes need to be implemented to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Swedan
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Omar F Khabour
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
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