Knowledge of and Training in Research Ethics in an African Health Research Community

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at assessing knowledge of research ethics in a Nigerian health research community based on criteria for ethical research in the national code. It also sought to test the hypothesis that prior research ethics training, higher academic rank, and self-judged adequate knowledge of research ethics were not associated with knowledge of research ethics. Methods: As part of a descriptive, cross-sectional study, lecturers in university medical schools in two Nigerian states completed a structured questionnaire. Results: Of 133 study participants, 100 (75.2%) were trained in research ethics, mostly through workshops (72%). Fifty (37.6%) correctly identified all 10 criteria for ethical research listed. Prior research ethics training, rank, and self-judged adequate knowledge of research ethics were not associated with aggregate scores of research ethics knowledge. Conclusions: The majority of the respondents were trained in research ethics, but knowledge gaps were identified. Health researchers in this setting need to be trained more effectively in research ethics.