Awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward health research ethics and research ethics committees among healthcare postgraduate students, faculty, and professionals in The Gambia

Until recently, there has been no formal research ethics training program in The Gambia, despite decades of conducting research. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of research ethics and Research ethics committees (RECs) among health professionals across various health cadres before the commencement of a postgraduate certificate program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire. Chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between independent variables and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of research ethics and RECs. Among 147 participants, 42.1% were unaware of the availability of ethics training programs in The Gambia. Over two-thirds were aware of the research ethics principles (69.7%), the presence of RECs in their institutions (61.2%), and their functions (61.8%). About half (47.9%) demonstrated adequate knowledge of research ethics, while 45.8% and 44.4% had a positive attitude toward research ethics and RECs, respectively. Alarmingly, 85.5% exhibited low levels of research ethics practice. Having an undergraduate degree or higher showed statistically significant odds of a positive attitude toward research ethics compared to holding a college diploma or lower (aOR 2.98; 95% CI: 1.09–8.18, p  = 0.034). The low level of practice and average knowledge and attitude of the participants toward research ethics and RECs is likely a reflection of the lack of formal research ethics training programs. Greater awareness and local training opportunities are needed.