Portuguese and the biobanks: Profiles and attitudes of the Portuguese population towards biobanks for health research

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Abstract
Biobanks for clinical research collect human biological samples and associated data for biomedical research. The establishment of biobanks in Portugal is still an understudied phenomenon, although there are signs of a growing trend in setting up these repositories to support biomedical research. Among other factors, individuals’ willingness to donate samples and public trust in biobanks play a crucial role in sustaining biobanking activities. In this article, we analyse public attitudes in Portugal towards biobanking, based on data from the biotechnology survey conducted by Eurobarometer in 2010. Different assumptions about science and technology enabled profiling the Portuguese population into four distinct groups: the optimistic, the cautious, the sceptical and the pessimistic. Each profile implies a diverse range of intentions and attitudes regarding biobanks. Furthermore, we found that previous study of science could be an important predictor of the willingness to donate information to biobanks.
Funding Information
  • European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (952377)
  • Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/100779/2014 (BR), SFRH/BD/99993/2014 (MS))

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