Work

Informed Consent in Vulnerable Populations: The Case of Detained Persons with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Informed consent (IC) is a critical component in research involving human participants, yet participants’ understanding of consent information remains underexplored, particularly in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to assess whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was associated with understanding and willingness to sign the IC among detained individuals. This secondary analysis used data from a randomised trial conducted in a Swiss prison (n = 183). Statistical analyses included regression models. There was no significant difference in understanding of the IC between the groups with and without positive screening for ADHD (mean score = 5.2 vs. 4.9 respectively, p = .468). Acceptance of signing the IC was comparable between groups (83.3% ADHD vs. 84.9% non-ADHD, p = .814). Our findings suggest that ADHD did not significantly impair the understanding of the IC or the decision to participate in research among detained individuals. However, the level of understanding was overall low, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to improve understanding in vulnerable populations.

Source: Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics

DOI: 10.1177/15562646251340474

Authors: Stéphanie Baggio, Leonel da Cunha Gonçalves, Patrick Heller, Hans Wolff, Laurent Gétaz

Institutions: University of Bern, University of Fribourg, University of Geneva, University Hospital of Geneva

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Foundation, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Université de Genève, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève