Issues of Trust and Motivation in Biobanking: A Literature Review

Abstract

Despite the global recognition of the high potential of biobanking for advancing biomedical science, there exists an issue of mistrust and lack of understanding of biobanks’ activities among the population. To examine the attitudes and motivations of patients and the public to participate in biobanking, a non-systematic literature review was conducted using the Medline database. Public attitudes towards biobanking vary significantly depending on cultural, religious, and legal factors, as well as the level of trust in health professionals and biomedical research. In some northern European countries, biobanking has already gained widespread support, while in certain countries, such as China, the Middle East, and Russia, awareness of biobanks remains relatively low. Factors influencing the motivation to donate biomaterial to biobanks depend on individuals’ altruistic motives, but additional incentives are needed for long-term collection strategies. The issue of protecting donor confidentiality and the open policy of biobanks is increasingly discussed in the relevant literature.