Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the willingness of older adults to participate in physiology research: views from past and potential volunteers

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2021 Sep;46(9):1147-1151. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0204. Epub 2021 Jun 28.

Abstract

We explored the views of older (≥65 years) past and potential volunteers in regard to participating in physiology research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online questionnaire and focus groups, we found that past volunteers (n = 55) were more likely to take part in both acute (p < 0.05) and chronic (p < 0.05) physiology studies, compared with potential future volunteers (n = 57). Both cohorts demonstrated a positive attitude towards volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, although concern was evident. Novelty: Volunteers demonstrated a positive attitude and also concern towards participating in physiology research during COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; ageing; clinical trials; essais cliniques; physiologie; physiology; recherche; recruitment; recrutement; research; vieillissement.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude
  • Biomedical Research*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Pandemics*
  • Physiology*
  • Research Subjects / psychology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Volunteers / psychology*