Comprehension of informed consent in clinical research

Abstract The informed consent form (ICF) is a document which explicitly confirms the consent of a participant in a research project, and should contain all necessary information clarifying the study in which the subject intends to participate. This study evaluates the level of comprehension of an ICF signed by 146 volunteers using a self-administered instrument. The average age of the sample was 47.29 years, and there was a prevalence of women (67.2%), incomplete primary education (53.4%) and no private health care (93.2%). The mean score of correct answers of 146 respondents was 53.1%. There was no association between the percentage of correct answers and the variables of gender, age, education and time of response. There was a significant association between taking the ICF home and the percentage of correct answers. The average value of correct answers found was not acceptable and educational measures must be implemented, seeking an increase in comprehension and the safety of participants.