Use of Patients’ Biological and Non-Biological Materials without Consent for Anonymous Research: A Cross-Sectional Ethical Study

Tawfik, Doaa; Shokry, Dina; Selim, Marwa Mahmoud; Marzban, Ahmed; Elsebaie, Eman Hany; Elkorashy, Reem; Elkady, Nevin; Shehata, Mennatallah Said Hosney

doi:10.21608/ejnh.2025.447956

Use of Patients’ Biological and Non-Biological Materials without Consent for Anonymous Research: A Cross-Sectional Ethical Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

² Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University.

³ Orthopedic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

⁴ Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

⁵ Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

⁶ Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

10.21608/ejnh.2025.447956

Abstract

Background: Using biological materials without consent is broadly unacceptable. To date there are many different types of consents that are needed to use human biological specimens for research.
These variabilities have led to confusion regarding what type of research is permitted, and what is not. Consequently, this problem has unintentionally added constraints on all future research.
Patients and methods:
This study is a cross sectional survey that used an anonymous structured questionnaire which was designed and created to be disseminated in print and via Google online forms among participants.
Results:
A total sample of 296 participants was included in this study, males represented (40.2%) and females (59.8%). The majority (48.0%) were between 40 and 60 years old,about (52.0%) agreed to the publication of research results that used their samples or x-rays without their consent. Only (19.6%) considered bio-banks as important without any conditions and (66.9%) were willing to share their own samples for bio-banks. Sex, residence and education were statistically significant factors affecting approving the use of the remaining samples in future research.
Conclusion and recommendations:
Despite of the inadequate knowledge of bio-banks, there was a high willingness to participate in research, and to share their own samples for bio banks. Extensive research and experts’ opinion studies should be executed to develop culturally, ethically, and legally appropriate flexible informed consent models. Public information, communication and education programs should be designed to increase public awareness, and to address public fears and concerns.

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