Understanding and Addressing Sample Collection Hesitancy in Biomedical Research in Ghana

Elvis Suatey Lomotey; Daniel Adjei Odumang; Christopher  Dorcoo; Abdul Gafaru Mohammed; Irene Owusu Donkor

doi:10.46829/hsijournal.2026.7.9.1.1603-1616

Elvis Suatey Lomotey Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Daniel Adjei Odumang Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Christopher Dorcoo Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Abdul Gafaru Mohammed Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
Irene Owusu Donkor Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, GhanaDepartment of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2026.7.9.1.1603-1616

Keywords: Hesitancy, Biomedica Research, Participation, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Human biological specimens are essential for biomedical research, driving advancements in disease understanding, biomarker discovery, and the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies. In Ghana, reports and experiential accounts from researchers indicate increasing hesitancy toward providing biological samples, leading to high refusal rates and participant attrition that threaten the validity and representativeness of scientific studies.
Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze the drivers of biological sample hesitancy in Ghana and West Africa, and to develop an evidence-based operational checklist for researchers to improve participant recruitment, retention, and community trust in biomedical research.
Methods: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed and grey literature on biological sample hesitancy in Ghana and West Africa. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online (AJOL) between October and November 2024 for publications from 2000 to 2024 using terms including biospecimen, sample refusal, research participation, hesitancy, informed consent, Ghana, and Africa. Of 127 records initially identified, 89 were screened, and 46 studies (38 peer-reviewed articles and 8 grey literature reports) met inclusion criteria. Studies were appraised using adapted CASP and Newcastle-Ottawa criteria.
Results: Hesitancy is influenced by deep-rooted mistrust stemming from historical unethical research, ethical concerns, cultural and religious beliefs, language barriers, limited research literacy, and tribal influences. Sample type and research context significantly affect acceptability, with blood samples evoking the greatest concern. Consequences extend beyond individual refusal, contributing to selection bias, underrepresentation of populations, delayed innovation, and compromised public health interventions.
Conclusion: Addressing hesitancy requires multifaceted approaches, including trust-building initiatives, culturally sensitive education, transparent communication, community engagement, and operationalized benefit-sharing mechanisms. We provide an evidence-based operational checklist to guide researchers in implementing sustainable strategies that prioritize participant rights and foster long-term community partnerships.