Reimbursement of participants in clinical trials is extensively debated. Guidance recommends that compensation should reflect time, inconvenience and reimbursement of expenses. This study describes how participants spend their reimbursement and perceptions of appropriate reimbursement amounts. This was a sub-study of the evidence for contraceptive options and HIV outcomes (ECHO) trial. Participants were from two sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used. 500 participants completed a questionnaire, and 32 participated in one of four focus group discussions (FGD). The majority (81%) used reimbursement for transport to the research site, followed by toiletry purchases (64%). Many described how reimbursement supplemented income, used to cover basic living costs. Some used money to buy luxury items and takeaway foods. The ideal reimbursement amount per visit ranged: ZAR150-ZAR340 (US$10–24). Reimbursement spending and perceptions are in line with local guidance. Reimbursement should consider risk minimization together with ensuring informed, voluntary decision making.

对临床试验参与者的报销进行了广泛的辩论。指南建议赔偿应反映时间、不便和费用报销。本研究描述了参与者如何使用他们的报销以及对适当报销金额的看法。这是对避孕选择和 HIV 结果 (ECHO) 试验证据的子研究。参与者来自南非夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省的两个地点。使用了混合方法方法。500 名参与者完成了问卷调查，32 人参加了四个焦点小组讨论 (FGD) 中的一个。大多数 (81%) 使用报销前往研究地点的交通费用，其次是购买化妆品 (64%)。许多人描述了报销如何补充收入，用于支付基本生活费用。一些人用钱购买奢侈品和外卖食品。每次就诊的理想报销金额范围为：ZAR150-ZAR340（10-24 美元）。报销支出和看法符合当地指导方针。报销应考虑风险最小化以及确保知情的自愿决策。