Table 3 Key findings related to factors affecting participation in research
Factor | Comments | Quotes |
|---|---|---|
Factors that bolstered their motivation to participate | ||
Duty, desire to help others | The obligation to help other Veterans was described as one might talk about bonds with a family member | “If you hit my patriotism and my ability to help others and myself at the same time… [the money] is nice to compensate my time, but for me, that’s not the motivator. It [the compensation] is a motivator, but it is low on my totem pole.” “I’d [participate] for my brothers and sisters in arms.” |
Topic seemed important | “I missed putting my daughter to bed. I’d do it on principle because I believe in it.” | |
Financial benefit | Compensation offered as part of participation was a motivator for many and caught their attention. | “I noticed the $150.” (on the contact letter) |
Personal interest | “I have had issues that they can’t figure out. Maybe this will help them understand what happened and how to treat it.” | |
Legitimacy of research | Study materials made it clear that the study was a legitimate study and not a “scam” | |
Factors that detracted from their willingness to participate | ||
Concerns about study-associated risks | Individuals wanted reassurance that they were not going to be experimented upon | “If they were going to give me an experimental drug, I wouldn’t do it. I am real skeptical.” |
Concerns about sharing personal information | People were concerned about sharing information about mental health conditions because it would involve disclosing sensitive, personal information with someone who they did not know well and whose job it was to collect information but not provide treatment. People were concerned that information shared could affect their benefits | “Most research studies are mental health-related and I don’t want to be vulnerable.” “Everything is stored in one file so if you don’t get a low score they may take away your benefits.” |