Factors linked to the increased vulnerability of research subjects

Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out that aimed to assess the prevalence of factors associated with the increased vulnerability of research subjects. A total of 116 patients and 18 doctors were interviewed. A proportion of 15% of patients were illiterate, 27% did not know the reason for their hospitalization and 45% did not know what treatment they were receiving. Of the total sample, 43% were from rural areas and 70% had at most an elementary level education, factors that make this population especially vulnerable. The percentage of correct answers on issues related to the understanding of free and informed consent and prescriptions were 12% and 7%, respectively. Among the doctors, 44% were not aware of all the research projects being carried out in the ward for which they were responsible, and 17% said that the hospital stays of patients participating in research were longer. The prevalence of factors that increased the vulnerability of subjects in medical research was high.