Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Clinical Trials Among Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacologists in Sudan: Insights from an Underrepresented Research Setting
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Clinical pharmacists and pharmacologists play key roles in clinical trials, yet little is known about their involvement in clinical trials in Sudan. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward clinical trials and explored the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among Sudanese clinical pharmacists and pharmacologists between January and March 2026. Participants were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, research experience, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding clinical trials. Associations with knowledge were examined using chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression, while Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests examined factors associated with attitude and perception scores. Results: Among 251 participants, 64.5% were categorized as having high knowledge of clinical trials; most correctly identified the purpose of clinical trials (92.8%), the role of randomization (87.3%), and Good Clinical Practice principles (88.8%). Median attitude and perception scores were 3.83 (IQR: 3.67– 4.17) and 4.00 (IQR: 3.79– 4.29), respectively. Limited funding and resources were identified as a major barrier by 89.6%, while only 13.1% reported adequate government support and 94.0% supported greater institutional collaboration. Formal research training was independently associated with higher knowledge (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.30– 4.15) and more positive attitudes. Knowledge, attitude, and perception were positively correlated (r s = 0.26– 0.46; all p < 0.001). Despite favorable knowledge and attitudes, 72.5% had never participated in a clinical trial and only 11.6% had participated in protocol development. Conclusion: Sudanese clinical pharmacists and pharmacologists demonstrated favorable knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials; however, practical involvement in clinical research remains limited, and a specific gap was evident in knowledge of the national ethics and regulatory framework. Expanding training opportunities, institutional collaboration, and infrastructure may help build clinical trial capacity in Sudan. Keywords: clinical trials, clinical pharmacists, pharmacologists, knowledge, attitude, Sudan
Institutions: National University of Science and Technology, University of Gezira, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, University of Tabuk, Omdurman Islamic University, King Khalid University, University of Sharjah, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, University of Khartoum, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, University of Garden City, Ahfad University for Women
Language: English
Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,806
OpenAlex ID: W7213625450