Most Women Would Participate Again In A Medical Research Study

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Most Women Would Participate Again In A Medical Research Study

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=44198

More than 60 percent of women 50 and older who have participated in a

medical research study would definitely or probably participate again

if given the opportunity, according to a survey released today by the

Society for Women's Health Research, a Washington, D.C., based

national advocacy organization. The survey also found a growing

percentage of women is not interested in research or does not believe

in participating in it.

" It is encouraging that most women who have participated in research

would consider taking part in another study, " said Phyllis

Greenberger, MSW, president and CEO of the Society. " This reflects

the positive experiences women have had. It also indicates that

participating is not overly burdensome, which is something a lot of

people worry about. "

Ten percent of women 50 and older have participated in a medical

research study, according to the survey. That finding is consistent

with an identical survey conducted by the Society in 2003.

One area of notable change between the 2006 and 2003 surveys is the

leading reason why women are hesitant to participate in medical

research. The most common response, given by 15.9 percent, is that

they are " just not interested in it " or " don't believe in it. " Only

9.1 percent of respondents cited this reason in 2003, when it ranked

fourth. Other primary reasons given by women for being hesitant to

participate include: it is too risky (15.8%), they do not have the

time (14.8%), and it depends on the type of study (13.8%).

" We were surprised to see a jump in the percentage of women who are

not interested in research or don't see the value of participating, "

Greenberger said. " All of us in the health professions must do a

better job of communicating the importance of research and the

crucial role volunteer participants play in the study of disease and

the development of treatments. We've made great advances in women's

health over the last 15 years, but much work remains to be done and

each of us can play a role, whether we are sick or healthy. "

The Society released the survey results today during " Sex Differences

in Health Awareness Day, " a national health observance that draws

attention to the need for more research into how diseases and

treatments affect women and men differently. The survey of 1,014

women 50 and older was conducted by International Communications

Research of Media, Pa., April 11-27, through a telephone survey.

" As the number of older Americans grows and life expectancy for women

increases, sex and gender specific information about disease

prevention, diagnosis and treatment will be essential for the health

of this population, " Greenberger said. " We hope this survey reminds

the public of the vital role research plays in advancing care. "

Through a campaign called " Some Things Only a Woman Can Do, " the

Society for Women's Health Research provides women information about

participating in clinical trials research. With a Web site -

WomanCanDo.org - and toll free hotline, 1-877-332-2636, the Society

provides materials in both English and Spanish, as well as tailored

information for older and minority audiences.

The Society's new book for consumers, " The Savvy Woman Patient: How

and Why Sex Differences Affect Your Health, " features a chapter on

participating in medical research studies. The chapter includes the

story of Ithaca, N.Y., resident Meredith Small, who volunteered for a

study on interstitial cystitis, a painful condition that causes

inflation in the bladder and for which there is no cure and few

options for treatment.

Small recognizes the necessity of humans volunteering for medical

research: " Those of use who have offered our bodies up to science

understand that testing on human subjects is the only way that

medicine can go forward. Lab work and animal tests can only go so far

in trying to predict what works. "

" Meredith Small is one of millions of American women, who suffers

from a medical condition that is often misdiagnosed or for which

there are few effective treatments, " Greenberger said. " It is only

through research that we can improve care. Thanks to courageous and

selfless women, we are making progress. I hope their stories inspire

other women to volunteer. "

It is especially important for women 65 and older to participate in

medical research, Greenberger added.

" People over age 65 make up 20 percent of our country's population, "

Greenberger said. " Of that segment, women in general are living

longer lives, but not necessarily high quality or better ones. Older

women are plagued with higher rates of chronic illnesses such as

heart disease and diabetes. Yet much of what we know about those

diseases has come from studies of men younger than 70. "

http://www.womenshealthresearch.org