Knowledge of elementary and high school students about experimental animal research

Marchioni, Giovanna Corsino; Andersen, Monica Levy; Silva, Helga Cristina Almeida da

doi:10.1590/1983-803420243626PT

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Pesquisa • Rev. Bioét. 32 • 2024 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420243626PT copy

Knowledge of elementary and high school students about experimental animal research

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

Experimental research with the use of animal models to represent a specific reality is a target of criticism by the population. This study analyzed the knowledge of elementary and high school students on experimental/animal research methods, official ethical guidelines/laws, and regulatory institutions. In total, 35 students answered an informative questionnaire with objective questions about the subject. Only 18 students (Group 1), attended a lecture on the subject. The questionnaire was reapplied to all 35 students. The analysis of the first questionnaire round showed rejection by 51.4% of the students toward the methods used in experimental research. Significant changes in answer patterns between the first and second evaluations were observed, with a decrease in the number of students who strongly disagree with the methods used in experimental research in Group 1 (38.8%) compared to Group 2 (88.2%). These data suggest that educational activities could increase the acceptance of experimental research by the community.

Animal experimentation; Drug development; Ethics committees; Vaccines

Questions	1^st questionnaire n=35
1. Do you know what experimental research is?	22 (62.8%)
2. Regarding the phases of experimental research: * I agree with the three phases * I partially agree * I disagree with the three phases	17 (48.57%) 16 (45.7%) 2 (5.71%)
2.1. I partially agree with (more than 1 possible answer): Phase 1: computational models/cells Phase 2: animal models Phase 3: human beings	15 (42.85%) 1 (2.85%) 6 (17.14%)
4. Do you know that it is prohibited to execute experimental research without a license from ethics committees?	21 (60%)
5. Have you been informed of the fact that experimental research in humans is regulated and controlled by ethics committees?	21 (60%)
6. Have you heard about the existence of laws and regulatory institutions for the use of animals in research?	23 (65.71%)
7. Are you aware of the existence of the Arouca Law?	4 (11.42%)
8. Do you know that the violation of rules and laws of experimental research can lead to punishment for researchers?	29 (82.85%)
9. Are you aware of the existence of animal facilities?	11 (31.42%)
10. Do you know that anesthesia is used for painful or distressing procedures?	25 (71.42%)
11. Have you heard about the sacrifice of animals after invasive procedures, under anesthesia?	13 (37.14%)
12. Do you have any interest in the research field?	26 (74.28%)
13. Would you like to know more about the subject?	30 (85.7%)

Group 2: questionnaire effect – did not attend the lecture on experimental research	1^st questionnaire n=17	2^nd questionnaire n=17	p (Fisher’s test)
1. Do you know what experimental research is?	9 (52.9%)	16 (94.1%)	0.0167
2. Regarding the phases of experimental research: * I agree with the three phases * I partially agree * I disagree with the three phases	8 (47%) 7 (41.17%) 2 (11.7%)	2 (11.7%) 15 (88.2%) 0 (0%)	0.0104 (partially agree vs. other groups)
2.1. I partially agree with: Phase 1: computational/cell models Phase 2: animal models Phase 3: human beings	7 (41.17%) 0 (0%) 2 (11.7%)	15 (88.2%) 1 (5.88%) 6 (35.3%)	-
4. Do you know that it is prohibited to conduct experimental research without a license from ethics committees?	10 (58.82%)	11 (64.7%)	-
5. Have you been informed of the fact that experimental research on humans is regulated and controlled by ethics committees?	8 (47%)	7 (41.17%)	-
6. Have you heard about the existence of laws and regulatory institutions for the use of animals in research?	11 (64.7%)	9 (52.9%)	-
7. Are you aware of the existence of the Arouca Law?	2 (11.7%)	0 (0%)	-
8. Do you know that the violation of rules and laws for experimental research can lead to punishment for researchers?	13 (76.47%)	11 (64.7%)	-
9. Are you aware of the existence of animal facilities?	7 (41.17%)	9 (52.9%)	-
10. Do you know that anesthesia is used for painful or distressing procedures?	13 (76.47%)	14 (82.35%)	-
11. Have you heard about the sacrifice of animals after invasive procedures. under anesthesia?	6 (35.3%)	7 (41.17%)	-
12. Do you have any interest in the research field?	12 (70.58%)	15 (88.23%)	-
13. Would you like to know more about the subject?	15 (88.23%)	16 (94.1%)	-
14. After answering the first questionnaire, did you do any research on this subject?	-	8 (47%)	-

Question versus group	2^nd questionnaire Group 1 (lecture) n=18	2^nd questionnaire Group 2 (no lecture) n=17	p (Fisher’s test)
1. Do you know what experimental research is?	17 (94.4%)	16 (94.1%)	-
2. Regarding the phases of experimental research: * I agree with the three phases * I partially agree * I disagree with the three phases	11 (61.1%) 7 (38.8%) 0 (0%)	2 (11.7%) 15 (88.2%) 0 (0%)	0.0045 (agree with the 3 phases vs. partially agree)
2.1.I partially agree with: Phase 1: computational/cell models Phase 2: animal models Phase 3: human beings	6 (33.3%) 2 (11.1%) 2 (11.1%)	15 (88.2%) 1 (5.88%) 6 (35.3%)	-
4. Do you know that it is prohibited to conduct experimental research without a license from ethics committees?	12 (66.6%)	11 (64.7%)	-
5. Have you been informed of the fact that experimental research on humans is regulated and controlled by ethics committees?	11 (61.1%)	7 (41.17%)	-
6. Have you heard about the existence of laws and regulatory institutions for the use of animals in research?	16 (88.8%)	9 (52.9%)	0.0275
7 Are you aware of the existence of the Arouca Law?	6 (33.3%)	0 (0%)	0.0191
8. Do you know that the violation of rules and laws for experimental research can lead to punishment for researchers?	16 (88.8%)	11 (64.7%)	-
9. Are you aware of the existence of animal facilities?	11 (61.1%)	9 (52.9%)	-
10. Do you know that anesthesia is used for painful or distressing procedures?	14 (77.7%)	14 (82.35%)	-
11. Have you heard about the sacrifice of animals after invasive procedures under anesthesia?	10 (55.5%)	7 (41.17%)	-
12. Do you have any interest in the research field?	14 (77.7%)	15 (88.23%)	-
13. Would you like to know more about the subject?	16 (88.8%)	16 (94.1%)	-
14. After answering the first questionnaire, did you do any research on this subject?	8 (44.4%)	8 (47%)	-

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E-mail: bioetica@portalmedico.org.br

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[1] Correspondence: Helga Cristina Almeida da Silva – Rua Napoleão de Barros, 715, 5º andar CEP 04024-002. São Paulo/SP, Brasil.