Knowledge and perception of bioethics among biomedical researchers in Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the knowledge and perceptions of bioethics among biomedical researchers in Osun State, Nigeria using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire during a capacity workshop in November 2020. Demographic data, and attendee’ awareness, knowledge, and perception on bioethics and need for ethical approvals for biomedical research were collated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages. A total of 153 biomedical researchers comprising (58%) males, and (42%) females participated in this study. Majority of the participants (60.8%) hold academic positions and about one-third of the population were graduate students (30.1%). Awareness on bioethics was high (91.5%), and more common in schools (61.4%), with majority of the participants (77.1%) describing it as a field that addresses the social and legal issues arising from medicine and life sciences (p<0.05). However, there were considerable gaps in knowledge among participants in the students and academia category, with about 16% of participants considering none or only part of the principles while about 10% felt they could obtain ethical permits while research is ongoing or completed and only 13.7% affirmed that all biomedical related researches require ethical approval. This finding calls for the incorporation of bioethics module into the curriculum of graduate students. The use of online resources, short courses, workshops and seminars can also be explored for re-enforcing training even among non-school going researchers and professionals.