Why is ethical vigilance important in epidemiology?
Ethical vigilance is crucial in epidemiology because the field often deals with sensitive health data, vulnerable populations, and interventions that can significantly affect public health. Ensuring ethical conduct helps maintain public trust, ensures the protection of participants, and enhances the validity and reliability of research findings. Failure to adhere to ethical principles can result in harm to individuals and communities, leading to a loss of trust in public health initiatives.
