Scientific research in health care: An analysis on the participation of vulnerable populations

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Journal

Texto e Contexto Enfermagem

Volume

19

Issue

1

DOI

10.1590/s0104-07072010000100012

Keywords

Personal autonomy; Research in health; Vulnerable population

Abstract

This is a qualitative study with the aim to analyze the participation of vulnerable populations in scientific health care research. The study was carried out in Americaninhas, Novo Oriente de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with nine volunteers enrolled in the clinical trial of a hookworm infection vaccine developed by an international research institution. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews after testing the vaccine and analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis method. Most volunteers decided to participate in the study motivated by the possibility of receiving access to health care services. We conclude that the decision to participate was influenced by the socio-economic and psychosocial vulnerability of the population and how they symbolically construct this vulnerability. The study points out the need to prepare the community in order to participate in the study through an education translated into action, considering the need for developing autonomy among the participating subjects.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS