International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 5 (September-October 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of October to publish your research paper in the issue of September-October.

Factors Contributing to Community Participation in Malaria Clinical Drug Trials among Adults in Kicukiro District, Kigali City, Rwanda

Author(s) Mrs. Eugenie Nyirandikubwimana, Clemence Nishimwe
Country Rwanda
Abstract Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda despite substantial progress in prevention and control efforts over the past two decades. Recent reports from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and the World Health Organization indicate a resurgence of malaria cases, with more than 4.2 million cases reported nationally in 2023. Urban districts such as Kicukiro in Kigali City are increasingly experiencing malaria transmission due to factors such as rapid urbanization, population mobility, environmental changes, and poor drainage systems. In response to the growing burden of malaria and emerging drug resistance, malaria clinical drug trials remain essential for developing safe and effective antimalarial treatments. However, the success of these trials largely depends on active community participation, which is often influenced by multiple social, individual, and interpersonal factors. This study therefore examined the factors contributing to community participation in malaria clinical drug trials among adults in Kicukiro District, Kigali City, Rwanda. This research used a mixed-methods approach with an analytical cross-sectional design. For the quantitative component, a multistage sampling technique was utilized to select participants, while the qualitative component employed convenience sampling to recruit participants for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Integration of findings was done through triangulation of quantitative and qualitative results. The findings showed that awareness of clinical trials, perceived risk, previous participation in research, family support, and trust in healthcare providers significantly influenced participation in malaria clinical drug trials. In multivariable analysis, respondents aged 26–35 years were more likely to participate compared to those aged 18–25 years (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.01–2.93; p = 0.046). Respondents with higher education were also more likely to participate (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.24–3.58; p = 0.006). Awareness of clinical trials significantly increased the likelihood of participation (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.55–4.45; p < 0.001), while respondents with low perceived risk were more likely to participate (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.24–3.45; p = 0.005). Previous participation in research (AOR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.70–5.60; p < 0.001), family support (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.37–4.05; p = 0.002), and trust in healthcare providers (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.52–4.47; p < 0.001) were also significant predictors of participation. Qualitative findings supported the quantitative results by revealing that fear of side effects, misinformation, limited understanding of clinical trials, and mistrust in research processes discouraged participation. Participants emphasized that clear communication, continuous community sensitization, involvement of trusted local leaders, and strong relationships with healthcare providers could improve participation in malaria clinical drug trials. The study concluded that participation in malaria clinical drug trials is influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, individual-level, and interpersonal factors. Strengthening community awareness, improving trust in healthcare providers, promoting family and community support, and addressing misconceptions through effective communication and community engagement strategies are essential to improve participation in malaria clinical drug trials in Rwanda.
Keywords Community participation, Malaria clinical trial, Participation determinants, Kicukiro district, Rwanda
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On 2026-09-26
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87777

Share this