RESUMO
The attitudes of dental patients towards participation in research and the independent socioeconomic factors associated with these attitudes are not known. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 120 patients attending dental clinics in Amman, Jordan. For patients who had previously participated in research [N = 28], motivating factors for most [> 75%] included a desire to help others and to advance science. Most respondents [81.7%] showed interest in participating in questionnaire-based research, but fewer would participate in invasive research, e.g. biopsies [22.0%] and drilling teeth [21.2%]. Reasons given for not participating in research included fear of infectious diseases [71.3%] and pain [62.1%]. Factors considered important in enhancing research participation included being asked to give informed consent [98.2%], fairness in selection of participants [97.3%] and the prospect of humanitarian benefit [96.5%]. Sex and education level were significantly associated with patients' perceptions for several of items. To enhance recruitment, researchers should be aware of people's perspectives regarding participation in research