Balancing Ethics and Culture: A Scoping Review of Ethico-Cultural and Implementation Challenges of the Individual-Based Consent Model in African Research
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics
Abstract
Objective: This review explores the ethical, cultural and implementation challenges associated with the individual-based
informed consent (IC) model in the relatively collectivistic African context and examines suggested approaches to managing
them. Methods: We searched four databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2023 that
examined the ethico-cultural and implementation challenges associated with the IC model in Africa. Results: Findings suggest that the individual-based IC model largely misaligns with certain African social values and ethos and subverts the
authority and functions of community gatekeepers. Three recommendations were proffered to manage these challenges:
that researchers should: adopt a multi-step approach to IC, conduct a rapid ethical assessment, and generate an
African-centered IC model. Conclusions: A pluriversal, context-specific, multi-step IC model that critically harmonizes
the cultural values of the local population and the general principles of IC can minimize ethical dumping, safeguard the integrity of the research process, and promote respectful engagement
Description
Research Article
Keywords
informed consent, collectivistic African society, ethical and cultural issues