How Can Researchers Mitigate Conflicting Interests?

To maintain the integrity and reliability of epidemiological research, it is crucial to address and mitigate conflicting interests:

Disclosure: Researchers should fully disclose all potential conflicts of interest to journals, funding agencies, and the public.
Independent Review: Involving independent reviewers who are not affiliated with the research can help ensure objectivity.
Transparency: Making study protocols, data, and analysis methods publicly available can increase transparency and allow for external validation.
Ethical Guidelines: Adhering to established ethical guidelines and standards can help mitigate potential biases.