Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Research Ethics Committees Among Health Care Faculty at Two Public Universities in Jordan

Abstract

Human research at Jordanian universities is increasing. This descriptive cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the procedures and review process of research ethics committees (RECs) among faculty in health sciences in two major Jordanian universities. Most faculty reported having no training in research ethics in their current institutions. Although knowledge of RECs’ roles and functions was adequate, deficiencies were found regarding the advisory and monitoring roles for RECs raised in this survey. Faculty expressed concerns about levels of ethical training for members of RECs and potential conflicts of interest and bias in review process. RECs should provide ethics training for faculty, and future research should examine the functioning of the RECs in Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries.