Awareness and willingness to participate in drug clinical trials among college students: a cross-sectional study in China

Drug clinical trials (DCTs), conducted in medical institutions before new drugs are registered and marketed, play a vital role. Well-informed participants are crucial to the successful execution and reliable outcomes of these trials. Consequently, raising awareness of clinical trials among college students is critical for advancing China's clinical research landscape.College students from the northwestern, central and northern regions of China, who met the eligibility criteria, were selected through convenience sampling for a cross-sectional survey conducted from January to March 2022. The questionnaire comprised three sections: general information, awareness of DCTs, and willingness to participate. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0.A total of 814 students participated in our study, with 444 students (54.5%) assessed as having sufficient awareness of DCTs. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between participants with adequate and inadequate awareness in terms of age, gender, education level, educational background, household type, city type, medical expenditure, healthcare pressure, and financial pressure. However, a negative correlation was found between awareness of DCTs and willingness to participate. Logistic regression indicated that educational attainment and background were key predictors: whereas higher education levels correlated with increased awareness, a medical background specifically predicted greater willingness to participate. The generalizability of these results is limited by the study's sampling approach and the non-national scope of its college student cohort.The findings reveal a need to improve both awareness and willingness to participate in DCTs among college students. To address this, student education and outreach efforts should be strengthened - particularly through innovative approaches such as engaging research professionals to disseminate trial information via new media platforms. Clear, detailed communication of trial processes can help enhance student understanding while addressing common concerns.