To what extent is it true that research subjects understand their rights?

Abstract

The objective of this article is to assess what the subjects of experiments know about their rights and to what extent they are ableto exercise them. The study in question is qualitative and features semi-structured interviews, purposive sampling and situationanalysis conducted at health institutions in Mexico City. The findings show research subjects in countries such as Mexico are extremelyvulnerable and dependent on the physician. As manifest in the responses to the interviews, this situation is reflected inand compounded by their lack of knowledge about what their participation in the research protocol implies. The conclusion is thatresearchers should be more involved in the process of obtaining informed consent (IC), so as to effectively address the patient’sconcerns about the nature and effects of the treatment they will receive. It also is necessary to empower the subject to demand whatis fair in terms of benefits and compensation for damages in the event of adverse effects, by overcoming attitudes still entrenchedin the paternalistic model.