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Table 3 Motivating and discouraging factors for children to participate in clinical trials

From: "...because I am something special" or "I think I will be something like a guinea pig": information and assent of legal minors in clinical trials – assessment of understanding, appreciation and reasoning

Motivating factors

- Hopes for improvement of their own behaviour based on experience

   With benefit for themselves

   With benefit for their families

- Comfort (once a day vs. several times a day)

- Explorative behaviour/sensation seeking

Discouraging factors

- Changes in treatment settings

- Time spent

- Study examinations, especially invasive exams/blood-drawing