Current role of research ethics committees in health research in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria : a qualitative study
Date
2014-05
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Abstract
Background. Ethics are rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or members of a profession. Medical research must be
regulated to ensure that fundamental human rights are not breached in the quest for knowledge. Nigeria had no laws or specific guidelines
to regulate health research until 2007, when a national regulatory body, the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), was
established. Its function is to ensure ethical conduct in research and to accredit institutional and state health research ethics committees
(HRECs).
Objective. To document the current role of HRECs in the ethical practice of health research in Nigeria, 4 years after the establishment of
the NHREC.
Methods. Functioning of the HRECs was evaluated via interviews of 14 members of state and institutional HRECs chosen from selected
geopolitical zones of the country.
Results. The HRECs surveyed had between nine and 15 members, with more males than females. Review meetings were held only occasionally
owing to the competing interests of members, who receive no incentives for participation, and poor funding. Scientific and ethical reviews
are conducted together by the same committee, but few members of the HRECs are trained in research ethics. Monitoring of research after
approval is poor.
Conclusion. Nigeria now has about 30 institutional HRECs, but their functioning is hampered by a shortage of both money and qualified
individuals to serve on them.
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Journal Article (peer-reviewed)
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Keywords
AFRICA, HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, BIOETHICS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, NIGERIA, HUMAN RIGHTS
Citation
Agunloye, A.M., Salami, A.T., & Lawan, A. (2014). Current role of research ethics committees in health research in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria: A qualitative study. SAJBL, 7(1), 19-22. doi:10.7196/SAJBL.309