Why is Informed Consent Important in Epidemiology?
Informed consent is crucial in epidemiology for several reasons:
Ethical Responsibility: Researchers have an ethical obligation to respect the autonomy and dignity of participants by ensuring they are fully informed and voluntarily consenting. Legal Compliance: Various national and international guidelines, such as the Declaration of Helsinki, mandate informed consent for research involving human subjects. Public Trust: Maintaining transparency and trust with the public is vital for the success of epidemiological research and future participation.
