Characteristics, Motivations, and Preferences of Healthy Volunteers in Phase I Clinical Trials in Sweden.

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics, experiences, motivations, and preferences of healthy volunteers participating in Phase I clinical trials in Sweden. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 135 healthy volunteers who had participated in at least one Phase I clinical trial from 2021 to 2024. Volunteers considered trial personnel, financial compensation, and regulatory review and approval as highly important factors in their decision to participate. Willingness to participate varied depending on trial characteristics, with greater reluctance for trials involving discomfort or perceived higher risks. Experiences, motivations, and preferences were comparable irrespective of age, gender, occupation, or income. Participants had disproportionately low incomes but reported financial satisfaction comparable to the general population. Unlike findings in other regions, there was no overrepresentation of migrants or the unemployed. Insights from this study can help guide trial design considerations to facilitate equitable recruitment and reduce the burden of participation.