Motivation, barriers, and willingness to participate in clinical trials for novel cancer treatments among the

Pol Van Nguyen1, Thanh Thi Thuy Tran1, Hieu Thi Thanh Nguyen2

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Plos One
|August 29, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Most Vietnamese adults are motivated to join cancer clinical trials for intensive monitoring, but fear of high-risk treatments is a major barrier. Addressing these concerns is key to improving cancer treatment research in Vietnam.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Clinical trial participation is crucial for advancing novel cancer therapies.
  • Understanding public willingness is essential for successful recruitment in Vietnam.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess motivations, barriers, and willingness to participate in novel cancer treatment clinical trials among the Vietnamese population.
  • To identify factors influencing participation in cancer clinical trials in Vietnam.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study using online and printed questionnaires distributed in central and southern Vietnam.
  • Culturally adapted 23-item questionnaire developed and validated using WHO guidelines.
  • Logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with willingness to participate.

Main Results:

  • 851 participants completed the survey; 33.6% expressed willingness to join clinical trials.
  • Primary motivation: intensive monitoring (83.7%). Primary barrier: high risk of novel treatments (74.1%).
  • Kinh ethnicity, good health, and positive attitudes toward novel treatments were associated with higher willingness.

Conclusions:

  • Insights into motivations and barriers for cancer clinical trial participation in Vietnam are provided.
  • Addressing participant concerns and promoting trial benefits can enhance recruitment.
  • Improving clinical trial participation can advance cancer treatment effectiveness in Vietnam.

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