Biomedical research ethics in Cameroon: A survey to assess training needs of medical residents and students

Abstract

Background: Training curricula in research ethics for potential and future researchers should be implemented and constantly updated. This requires data regarding training needs. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey on residents, fifth and sixth-year medical students registered in the 2006-2007 academic year at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMBS) of the University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon. Results: Two-fifths (40.4%) of respondents (response rate 70.9%) reported training in research ethics. Less than half were aware of specific regulatory texts relevant to research ethics. Among those who reported conducting a research project 66.7% declared having obtained informed consent from participants and 32.9% having submitted their protocol to an Ethics Review Committee. Participants identified training priorities in research ethics and responsibilities of key actors in the protection of research participants. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the training and attitude of medical students and residents in order to prepare them to respect and protect research participants.