Sociodemographic characteristics of healthy volunteers along with their experience, attitude and concerns of clinical trials in Wuhan, China

China has became the world's second largest pharmaceutical market, and the number of her registered clinical trials exceeded 3000 in 2021. Although thousands of healthy volunteers are participating in a large number of clinical trials in this country, there is no report about the characteristics, recognition, attitude of Chinese healthy volunteers and their concerns of clinical trials. A questionnaire survey was designed and given to 324 healthy volunteers participating in clinical trials in Wuhan, China. Four important findings emerged from our data. First, young, single and less educated men constituted the majority of Chinese healthy volunteers. Second, differences between the male and female healthy volunteers were observed. Female healthy volunteers are supposed to face more challenges and pressure in life, be more cautious about the clinical trials and more concerned about their health and feelings than the male. Third, no sociodemographic characteristic was associated with poorly understanding of the protocol research content, which was subjectively evaluated. Fourth, more support from society/family and more positive media reports about the participation of healthy volunteers in clinical trials are badly needed. These findings would help us to get a better understanding of Chinese healthy volunteers as a group for protecting them and promoting drug development.

Automated summary

China has become the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world, with over 3000 registered clinical trials in 2021. However, there is a lack of understanding about the characteristics and concerns of Chinese healthy volunteers participating in these trials. A questionnaire survey of 324 healthy volunteers in Wuhan revealed that the majority were young, single and less educated men. Additionally, female volunteers faced more challenges and pressure, and were more cautious and concerned about their health and feelings compared to male volunteers. These findings highlight the need for more support and positive media coverage to protect and promote the participation of healthy volunteers in clinical trials.