Concerns and needs of research participants with visual disabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract As COVID-19 is contagious, researchers stop or delay the data collection requiring in-person meetings with research participants. Potential research participants may consciously or unconsciously change the perspective about human subjects research, probably leading to developing reluctance to participate in it. This study aims to advance knowledge of how potential research participants develop, sustain, and/or change their perspective towards human subjects research during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as how to adequately address their needs and concerns. A convenient sample of 28 participants with visual impairments and blindness completed a phone interview. The interview data were analyzed via open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The data analysis resulted in 7 main themes and 10 subthemes that covered the study preparations and procedures. We referred to Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory to discuss a set of facilitators to resolve potential participants’ uncertainty and concern about participating in human subjects research.