Ethical considerations underpin the quality of epidemiological studies. Ensuring that a study meets ethical standards protects the rights and well-being of participants and maintains public trust in research. This includes obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring the risk-to-benefit ratio is acceptable.
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Ethics Committees review study protocols to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines. The ethical conduct of research is not only a legal obligation but also a cornerstone of high-quality epidemiological studies.
