How well are researchers applying ethical principles and practices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research? A cross‐sectional study

• DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52572
• Publication Date: 2025-02-02T14:30:16Z
• Authors: Michelle Kennedy; Kade Booth; Jamie Bryant; Felicity Collis; Catherine Chamber...; Jaquelyne Hughes; Breanne Hobden; Kalinda E Griffiths; Mark Wenitong; Peter O'Mara; Alex Brown; Sandra J Eades; Kelvin M Kong; Raymond W Lovett
• Keywords: Odds; Cross-sectional study; Research Ethics

Abstract Objective Describe perceptions of how well researchers conducting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health medical research apply ethical practices. Study design Cross‐sectional online survey. Setting, participants Researchers who included people or their data in projects, current past members (previous 5 years) a human ethics committee that assessed research. Main outcome measures Researchers’ engagement with 15 practices (on 5‐point Likert scale, poor to excellent). Results 561 (382 [68.1%] 179 [31.9%]) completed the Across all practices, rating excellent was least frequently endorsed, highest frequency being for employing team (38 [6.8%]). A most common enacting Indigenous sovereignty governance principles (156 [27.8%]). respondents had significantly lower odds perceiving high levels adherence than non‐Aboriginal principles, except members. In particular, 65% have rates adhering disseminating results back community (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% CI, 0.22–0.57), 56% engaging implementation (OR, 0.44; 0.27–0.73), 54% developing questions 0.46; 0.28–0.75). Conclusion are not consistently implementing outlined guidelines involving people. We call commitment from researchers, institutions funding bodies address shortfalls, embed processes, hold accountable people, communities they established.