Publication date: May 08, 2025

Background/Objectives: Public perception of clinical trials (CT) in Poland remains underexplored. This study aims to assess attitudes towards clinical trials, to identify key sociodemographic and health-related predictors of participation willingness, and to evaluate the perceived health impact (CT-PHI) associated with participants’ involvement in trials. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted (2-20 March 2022) among 2050 Polish adults who had benefited from medical care in the past 24 months. This study examined sociodemographic factors, health-related factors (self-perceived health, EQ-5D-5L, the level of awareness of patient rights, use of public vs. private healthcare, adherence), and motivations for participation in trials (health-related, financial, and altruistic). Multivariate logistic and generalized linear models identified predictors of participation willingness and CT-PHI variability. Results: Overall, 56. 3% of the respondents expressed a willingness to participate in clinical trials. The main motivation was health improvement (45. 8%), followed by financial incentives (23. 2%) and altruism (22. 7%). Those driven by health reasons showed the highest sensitivity to demographic and health-related factors. In this group, higher CT-PHI scores were associated with older age (66+: B = 1. 24, p < 0. 001), female gender (B = 0. 41, p = 0. 034), rural residence (B = 0. 41, p = 0. 033), dual use of public/private healthcare (B = 0. 64, p = 0. 001), adherence (B = 2. 50, p < 0. 001), and greater pain severity (moderate: B = 1. 36, p < 0. 001; severe: B = 0. 91, p = 0. 023). Socioeconomic factors played a greater role for financially motivated individuals, while altruistic participants showed the least variability in influencing factors. Conclusions: Willingness to participate in clinical trials in Poland is influenced by the motivation type. A patient-centered approach to recruitment strategies, considering diverse motivations and sociodemographic factors, is essential for optimizing participation in clinical trials.

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