Use of Patients’ Biological and Non-Biological Materials without Consent for Anonymous Research: A Cross-Sectional Ethical Study | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Nutrition and Health | ||||
| Volume 20, Issue 2, July 2025, Page 49-61 PDF (403.22 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejnh.2025.447956 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Doaa Tawfik  1; Dina Shokry1; Marwa Mahmoud Selim2; Ahmed Marzban3; Eman Hany Elsebaie4; Reem Elkorashy5; Nevin Elkady6; Mennatallah Said Hosney Shehata 4
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| 1Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. | ||||
| 2Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. | ||||
| 3Orthopedic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. | ||||
| 4Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. | ||||
| 5Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. | ||||
| 6Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Using biological materials without consent is broadly unacceptable. To date there are many different types of consents that are needed to use human biological specimens for research. These variabilities have led to confusion regarding what type of research is permitted, and what is not. Consequently, this problem has unintentionally added constraints on all future research. Patients and methods: This study is a cross sectional survey that used an anonymous structured questionnaire which was designed and created to be disseminated in print and via Google online forms among participants. Results: A total sample of 296 participants was included in this study, males represented (40.2%) and females (59.8%). The majority (48.0%) were between 40 and 60 years old,about (52.0%) agreed to the publication of research results that used their samples or x-rays without their consent. Only (19.6%) considered bio-banks as important without any conditions and (66.9%) were willing to share their own samples for bio-banks. Sex, residence and education were statistically significant factors affecting approving the use of the remaining samples in future research. Conclusion and recommendations: Despite of the inadequate knowledge of bio-banks, there was a high willingness to participate in research, and to share their own samples for bio banks. Extensive research and experts’ opinion studies should be executed to develop culturally, ethically, and legally appropriate flexible informed consent models. Public information, communication and education programs should be designed to increase public awareness, and to address public fears and concerns. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Ethical dilemma; biological material; unconsented samples; confidentiality; societal benefit | ||||
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