A researcher is studying the quality of life for prisoners who are HIV-positive using surveys followed by interview. The IRB must ensure that:

A researcher is studying the quality of life for prisoners who are HIV-positive using surveys followed by interview. The IRB must ensure that:

• A. Confidentiality of the prisoners' health status is maintained.
• B. The prisoners' names are released to staff.
• C. The data are shared publicly.
• D. The researchers' identity is kept confidential.

Answer: (A)

Protecting privacy is essential when research involves sensitive health information from a vulnerable group. HIV status is highly personal, and prisoners may face stigma or retaliation if that information were disclosed. The IRB must ensure that the study safeguards confidentiality: data should be coded or de-identified, access restricted to those who need it, and any reports or publications should avoid including identifiable information so individuals cannot be traced. This minimizes potential harms and respects participants’ rights. Releasing names to staff would breach confidentiality and could expose participants to harm. Publicly sharing data would risk identifying individuals, defeating privacy protections. Keeping researchers’ identities confidential isn’t the primary protection the IRB is tasked with in this context; the emphasis is on protecting the prisoners’ health information.

Protecting privacy is essential when research involves sensitive health information from a vulnerable group. HIV status is highly personal, and prisoners may face stigma or retaliation if that information were disclosed. The IRB must ensure that the study safeguards confidentiality: data should be coded or de-identified, access restricted to those who need it, and any reports or publications should avoid including identifiable information so individuals cannot be traced. This minimizes potential harms and respects participants’ rights.

Releasing names to staff would breach confidentiality and could expose participants to harm. Publicly sharing data would risk identifying individuals, defeating privacy protections. Keeping researchers’ identities confidential isn’t the primary protection the IRB is tasked with in this context; the emphasis is on protecting the prisoners’ health information.