What are the Barriers to Data Sharing in Epidemiology?
Despite its benefits, data sharing in epidemiology faces several obstacles. One significant barrier is the issue of data privacy. Epidemiological data often includes sensitive information about individuals, making it challenging to share without compromising privacy. Another issue is the lack of standardized data formats, which can make it difficult for researchers to combine datasets from different sources. Additionally, there is sometimes a lack of incentives for researchers to share their data, as they may fear losing control over their work or not receiving adequate recognition.