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

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.