DUAs play a crucial role in epidemiology for several reasons: 1. Confidentiality: They help maintain the confidentiality of sensitive health information. 2. Legal Compliance: They ensure that data sharing complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 3. Data Integrity: They protect the integrity and accuracy of the data, which is critical for reliable epidemiological research. 4. Ethical Use: They establish guidelines for the ethical use of data, preventing misuse or unauthorized access.
