Ethical Concerns of Research Ethics Committees in Suicide Research: A Qualitative Study From Pakistan

• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.207
• Publication Date: 2024-08-01T10:05:53Z
• Authors: Muqaddas Asif; Rakhshi Memon; Ameer B. Khoso; Zaib un Nisa; Nusrat Husain
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Research Ethics; CLARITY; Bioethics; Relevance

Aims Suicide is a global public health issue that requires sensitive research to inform effective prevention and treatment strategies. Despite the benefits of such research, it accompanied by significant ethical challenges as potential for harm participants' wellbeing. Various studies have explored views researchers in suicide research. This qualitative study aimed explore ethics committee (REC) members’ experiences with suicide-related applications ascertain whether there are differences approaches dealing applications. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews members RECs (n = 9) from research-intensive universities committees Pakistan. also discussion group 13) REC Pakistan, Nigeria Sri Lanka. The topic guide delved into opinions regarding issues they come across while reviewing self-harm/suicide-related proposals, relevance these specific designs, recommendations resolve issues, their approach balancing risk benefit, guidance researchers. Results preliminary findings thematic analysis revealed five major themes; 1) Ethical challenges, 2) Reasons application rejection, 3) Areas improvement, 4) Suggestions addressing 5) Researchers' attitudes towards amendments. Challenges self-harm included sensitivity stigma surrounding topic, lack interest support, difficulties participant recruitment. faced rejection primarily due methodological errors, procedural clarity, insufficient understanding procedure. Identified areas improvement were need enhanced methodology patterns, well better Recommendations developing robust proposal training supervision intervention studies, inclusion comprehensive elements practical plans proposal, focus on data protection, confidentiality, management, identification. While number positively acknowledged reviewer comments, some opted in-depth discussions rather than directly issues. Conclusion highlights importance considerations emphasises address procedures Addressing adopting suggested improvements paramount advancing impactful this context.