Understanding Parents’ Decisions About Children’s Clinical Research During COVID-19
Lim, C. S., Sarver, D. E., Brown, D. C., McCulloh, R., Malloch, L., Gissandaner, T. D., & Annett, R. D. (2025). Caregiver willingness to participate in pediatric clinical research during COVID-19. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 39(4), 531-540.
This study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, most caregivers were open to their children partaking in non-vaccine research, via telehealth-based studies or in-person research. Most parents agreed to allow their children to participate in research that was conducted through telehealth (64%) and face-to-face (59%). However, only 22% of caregivers were willing to allow their child to participate in vaccine-focused research during the pandemic. Pediatric studies are essential for developing safe treatments and vaccines for children. During a public health crisis, it is crucial to understand how pediatric research may be affected and how healthcare providers can adapt to involve diverse families.
To explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric research, researchers conducted a telephone survey with 600 caregivers of children under age 18. Caregivers were asked if they would be willing to let their children participate in three types of research: telehealth research, in-person research, and COVID-19 vaccine-focused research. The survey also measured caregivers’ general attitudes regarding research and examined demographic factors, such as whether families lived in rural or urban areas.
Separate from the main finding that the vaccine research participation scores were much lower than other types of research, the study found that caregivers’ attitudes towards research and their geographic context influenced willingness to participate. Those in rural communities were less willing to participate in research. While it was predicted that parents would be hesitant to allow their children to participate in vaccine research, this study provides new details about parents’ comfort level with non-vaccine research. The study also helps address how caregivers’ beliefs and community matter.
Knowing that attitudes, understanding of research, and community norms shape decisions regarding vaccines and research, health professionals can better communicate with families about the benefits of pediatric research. The findings of this study can also help improve public health and policy by suggesting that targeted strategies could improve participation in important pediatric studies. This can provide opportunities for groups that are traditionally underrepresented in research to participate. Thus, leading to research results that are more inclusive and beneficial for all children.