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© 2009 Public Library of Science. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited: Citation: Tekola F, Bull SJ, Farsides B, Newport MJ, Adeyemo A, et al. (2009) Tailoring Consent to Context: Designing an Appropriate Consent Process for a Biomedical Study in a Low Income Setting. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 3(7): e482. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000482

Abstract

Background

Currently there is increasing recognition of the need for research in developing countries where disease burden is high. Understanding the role of local factors is important for undertaking ethical research in developing countries. We explored factors relating to information and communication during the process of informed consent, and the approach that should be followed for gaining consent. The study was conducted prior to a family-based genetic study among people with podoconiosis (non-filarial elephantiasis) in southern Ethiopia.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We adapted a method of rapid assessment validated in The Gambia. The methodology was entirely qualitative, involving focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews. Discussions were conducted with podoconiosis patients and non-patients in the community, fieldworkers, researchers, staff of the local non-governmental organisation (NGO) working on prevention and treatment of podoconiosis, and community leaders. We found that the extent of use of everyday language, the degree to which expectations of potential participants were addressed, and the techniques of presentation of information had considerable impact on comprehension of information provided about research. Approaching podoconiosis patients via locally trusted individuals and preceding individual consent with community sensitization were considered the optimal means of communication. Prevailing poverty among podoconiosis patients, the absence of alternative treatment facilities, and participants' trust in the local NGO were identified as potential barriers for obtaining genuine informed consent.

Conclusions

Researchers should evaluate the effectiveness of consent processes in providing appropriate information in a comprehensible manner and in supporting voluntary decision-making on a study-by-study basis.

Details

Title
Tailoring Consent to Context: Designing an Appropriate Consent Process for a Biomedical Study in a Low Income Setting
Author
Tekola, Fasil; Bull, Susan J; Farsides, Bobbie; Newport, Melanie J; Adeyemo, Adebowale; Rotimi, Charles N; Davey, Gail
Pages
e482
Section
Research Article
Publication year
2009
Publication date
Jul 2009
Publisher
Public Library of Science
ISSN
19352727
e-ISSN
19352735
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1288101707
Copyright
© 2009 Public Library of Science. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited: Citation: Tekola F, Bull SJ, Farsides B, Newport MJ, Adeyemo A, et al. (2009) Tailoring Consent to Context: Designing an Appropriate Consent Process for a Biomedical Study in a Low Income Setting. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 3(7): e482. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000482