Clinical trials in Dakar: survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices of key actors on the period from 2003 to 2007

AIM: The general objective of this study was to agree an inventory of fixtures of clinical trials done in Dakar, in order to make recommendations to improve the quality of clinical trials in Senegal. METHOD: We have done a survey from mars to may 2007, with investigators of the two biggest Senegalese university teaching hospitals and to the pharmacy management and the ethical committee. RESULTS: Our key results showed: 1) a small participation rate of teachers to clinical trials (11 on 37 interviewed); 2) that the principal sponsor is pharmaceutical industry; 3) that most of investigators have not degree in clinical trials; 4) that most pathologies concerned were malaria and AIDS; 5) that there are regulations related to clinical trials in Senegal. CONCLUSION: This study shows the necessity to integrate, in Senegal, clinical trials in the curricula of students training.