Motivation for participation in clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis

Background: While previous studies of enrollment motivation have been conducted with either healthy subjects or subjects with certain other diseases, little is known about the motives of subjects with asthma or rhinitis symptoms who seek to enter clinical trials. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the self-reported role that altruism, healthcare receipt, and financial gain play in the motivation of subjects with symptoms of bronchial asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis who attempted to enroll in clinical trials. Methods: Subjects with symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis who sought to enroll in phase III clinical trials completed surveys from December 1991 to August 1992 (n = 295). The importance of altruistic and nonaltruistic motives was rated on numerical scales. Results: Improved control of symptoms and learning more about the illness and medications for treatment were the most important nonaltruistic motives (P <.05). Financial motives and second opinion were moderately important but less important than healthcare motives (P <.05). This population as a whole agreed that the altruistic motives listed in the survey were reasons to enroll. Conclusion: Subjects with symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis entered clinical trials for altruistic reasons and to receive healthcare treatment for their chronic illness including related health education. For the entire group, self-reported financial motives were less important than illness-related healthcare.