Willingness and determinants of participation in public health research: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Background: Active participation in health research plays an integral role in the development and implementation of evidence-based health interventions and policies. Aims: To assess public willingness and determinants of participation in public health research. Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting Saudi residents aged > 16 years from the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, using computer-assisted telephone interviews. We assessed the sociodemographic of participants, participants' involvement in research, their acceptance to participate, barriers hindering their participation, and their willingness to be involved in future health research. Pearson's chi(2) and logistic regression analyses were used to explore determinants. Results: There were 2512 participants in this study. Three hundred and seventy one (14.8%) confirmed that they had been invited previously to participate in research studies and 271 (73%) accepted the invitation. The majority (92%, n = 2319) of participants were willing to participate in future research. Being a young adult, male, college-educated, and employed were the main factors associated with willingness to participate in health research. Those who had previous experience of participation in health research were 3 times more willing to participate in future health research compared with participants with no prior experience (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlighted the key determinants of willingness to participate in health research. Most participants had never been invited to participate in health research, but the majority reported a positive attitude towards participation. With rapid health system development nationally and regionally, Saudi participation levels in health research still need improvement.