Date Approved

2009

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

Stephen A. Sonstein, PhD, Chair

Abstract

Background: Successfully recruiting participants for clinical trials is a challenge that crosses all medical disciplines. Slow enrollment to clinical trials delays the completion of clinical research studies.

Objectives: This study collected demographic data of current and past clinical trial volunteers. Furthermore, it examined similarities and differences between clinical trial volunteers, which provides deeper understandings of who volunteers are and which may allow for improved education and recruitment of subjects.

Methods: 87 adults who had participated in at least one clinical research study were surveyed.

Findings:

*Healthcare represented the most common career at 27.6%.

*93.1% received education beyond high school.

*0% met the Investigator’s definition for low socioeconomic status.

*4.6% had no healthcare coverage.

*54% associate themselves with the Democratic Party.

Conclusions: There does not appear to be any strong commonalities among clinical research volunteers and the following demographics: career, education level, household income, religious affiliation, political affiliation, and musical affiliation.

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