Current status and factors influencing research ethics knowledge and attitudes among pediatricians: a cross-sectional survey

Background Pediatricians play a pivotal role in clinical research, and their research competence is essential for advancing hospital-based studies and fostering the development of pediatric disciplines. Given the unique vulnerabilities of the pediatric population, adherence to research ethics is of paramount importance. Therefore, it is imperative for pediatricians to actively acquire knowledge related to research ethics in order to safeguard research quality, ensure the safety of research subjects, and enhance the standardization of ethical practices in research. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 256 pediatricians in Hunan Province, China, between October 2023 and April 2024 using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected through a general information form and a questionnaire assessing pediatricians’ knowledge of and attitudes toward research ethics. Results The total research ethics knowledge score for the pediatricians was 70.55, and the total attitude score was 92.87. The three lowest-scoring entries in the knowledge dimension were the basic principles of medical ethics and two situational judgment questions. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that degree, technical title, whether there was an ethics committee in our hospital, and whether they participated in training related to ethical knowledge were the four factors influencing the knowledge of research ethics ( F = 9.270, p < 0.001, R2 = 18.3%). The number of clinical research projects attended, the number of clinical research projects chaired, and whether or not they had participated in training related to ethical knowledge were the three factors influencing attitude toward research ethics ( F = 4.259, p < 0.001, R2 = 7.80%). Conclusion Pediatricians demonstrated a moderate level of research ethics knowledge but held largely positive attitudes. Whether or not they attended training related to ethical knowledge affected both knowledge and attitude scores. Notably, degree, technical title, and the presence of an ethics committee in our institution affected the knowledge score but not the attitude score.