Willingness to Participate in Medical Research Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Cross-Sectional...

Medical research plays a major role in advancing healthcare, yet public participation remains critical for its success. This study aims to evaluate the willingness to participate among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), investigate the factors that influence their choices, raise their expectations, and level of awareness about medical research.

A cross-sectional study conducted between February and March of 2022 included 350 adult UAE residents. The study used a self-administered online questionnaire distributed across known social media platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook). As part of the study's methodology, participants were categorized according to their socioeconomic status, demographics, and history of involvement in research. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant factors affecting willingness to participate.

Age, gender, and marital status did not significantly affect a person's willingness to participate in medical research, but having previously conducted research and trusting medical researchers did. Participants expressed a strong preference for less invasive research, with 277 (79.1%) likely to engage in short questionnaires, while only 94 (26.9%) were willing to participate in studies involving new drugs or procedures. Recruitment methods also played a role, with phone calls being the most effective. Selfless concerns were the primary motives of most participants 156 (49.8%), while health concerns were the main deterrent.

The study shows that trust in researchers, prior experience, and the nature of the research significantly influence participation among UAE residents. These findings emphasise the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve public understanding of medical research and build trust, which could boost participation in essential studies. Incorporating community input into research design and health policies would better align medical innovation with public needs, advancing the UAE's goals of becoming a leader in evidence-based and precision medicine.