What Are the Ethical Considerations in Using Mobile Phones for Epidemiological Research?

Using mobile phones for epidemiological research raises several ethical considerations. One major concern is privacy and data security. Researchers must ensure that personal data collected through mobile devices is protected and used in accordance with ethical guidelines and regulations. Informed consent is another critical issue; participants should be fully informed about the nature of the study and how their data will be used. Additionally, there are concerns about digital divide and ensuring that mobile phone-based research does not exclude disadvantaged populations who may have limited access to mobile technologies.