Cancer Patients' Awareness and Perceptions of Clinical Trials in Korea
Author Information
Author(s): Kim J W, Kim S-J, Chung Y-H, Kwon J-H, Lee H-J, Chung Y-J, Kim Y J, Oh Do-Youn, Lee S-H, Kim D-W, Im S-A, Kim T-Y, Heo D S, Bang Y-J
Primary Institution: Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Hypothesis
How do cancer patients in Korea perceive clinical trials and what influences their willingness to participate?
Conclusion
Cancer patients' awareness of clinical trials and their perceptions of benefits are influenced by various medical and social conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- 82.6% of patients had heard about cancer clinical trials.
- Mass media was the most important source of information for 68% of patients.
- 64.7% of patients expressed willingness to participate in clinical trials if recommended by their physician.
- Male patients were more likely to participate in clinical trials than female patients.
- Patients with private cancer insurance had higher awareness but not higher willingness to participate.
Takeaway
This study found that many cancer patients in Korea know about clinical trials, but their willingness to join depends on their personal situations.
Methodology
A questionnaire was distributed to 842 cancer patients starting chemotherapy to assess their awareness, perceptions, and willingness to participate in clinical trials.
Potential Biases
Selection bias due to the low response rate and the specific patient population surveyed.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate of 62% and was conducted in a single hospital, which may not represent all eastern perceptions of clinical trials.
Participant Demographics
The study included 842 cancer patients, with 45.6% male and a majority aged between 40 to 70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.001, P=0.006, P=0.002, P=0.009
Confidence Interval
1.17–2.75, 1.01–2.51, 1.22–3.07, 1.174–1.463
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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