Table 1 Principles of ethical research

1

Research staff and subjects must be fully informed about purpose, methods and intended possible uses of research, what participation entails, and what risks, if any, involved

2

Confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects and anonymity of respondents must be respected

3

Research participants must participate voluntarily, free from coercion

4

Harm to research participants must be avoided

5

Independence and impartiality of researchers must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit