Ethical challenges in mental health research with focus in Nepal

Pratik Khanal,Sajana Maharjan

doi:10.3126/hprospect.v17i1.19869

Abstract

People with mental health problems are considered as vulnerable population by national ethical guidelines of health research in Nepal. There are different ethical challenges in research involving people with mental health problems. Ethical challenges are related to study design, autonomy, beneficence and nonmaleficence, justice, respect for the environment and consent taking process. Respecting the human rights of those with mental health problems is necessary during research and this requires research stakeholders to be responsible.

Highlights

Research plays a crucial role in shaping health policy and decision making
In the context of increment of research in area of mental health in Nepal mostly by non-government organizations[13] (NHRC received 26 research proposals related to mental health research in 2014, 38 in 2015 and 72 in 2016)[14], we hope the following recommendations which are supported by literature would be useful to promote research ethics in relation to mental health research in Nepal and elsewhere
A) Researcher needs to be trained in research ethics, communication skills and in understanding the perspectives of the research participants about the research.[9, 11, 15]

Summary

Introduction

Research plays a crucial role in shaping health policy and decision making. The benefits that the research brings come under expenses of the research participants whose contributions are usually undermined during the research process. Ethical issues often surround health research and are of special concern when vulnerable populations like those with mental health problems are involved [1]. Research in mental health like any other research should follow ethical principles and should be guided by national ethical guidelines. Health research in Nepal is governed by Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) established in 1991 and guided by National Ethical Guidelines for Health Research in Nepal and Standard Operating Procedures 2011 [2]. This paper discusses three major areas related to research ethics in mental health research in Nepal. We have listed provisions mentioned in national ethical guidelines related to mental health research. We have tried to explore the ethical challenges that may occur during conduction of mental health research and thirdly, we have elucidated the responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in mental health research.

Objectives

Conclusion