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Should Children Be Enrolled in Clinical Research in Conflict Zones?

Dónal O'Mathúna1, Nawaraj Upadhaya2

  • 1Associate professor in the College of Nursing and the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Ohio State University in Columbus.

AMA Journal of Ethics
|June 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Conducting research with children in conflict zones presents ethical challenges, including resource allocation and consent. Simultaneous research and clinical care are possible through community engagement to address these issues.

Area of Science:

  • Medical ethics
  • Global health research
  • Pediatric research

Background:

  • Ethical considerations for research in high-risk environments are complex.
  • Children in conflict zones face unique vulnerabilities.
  • Balancing clinical care with research demands is a critical challenge.

Observation:

  • Four key ethical issues identified: resource allocation, informed consent for minors, research feasibility, and maintaining neutrality.
  • Challenges in obtaining consent due to parental/guardian separation.
  • Ethical concerns regarding research feasibility and completion rates.
  • The imperative to maintain neutrality, impartiality, and humanity in research.

Findings:

  • Simultaneous clinical care and research are proposed as a viable approach.
  • Humble engagement with communities during all research phases is crucial.
  • Proactive community engagement can help resolve ethical dilemmas.

Implications:

  • This approach can improve ethical research conduct in conflict zones.
  • It highlights the importance of community-centered research methodologies.
  • Findings offer guidance for clinicians and researchers working with vulnerable pediatric populations in crisis settings.

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