[Last modified: November, 29 2024 06:07 PM]
The chosen case is 5. Young women’s perceptions of breasts and breastfeeding
As a member of the Anthropology Ethics Committee, I think this study presents moderate risks that require careful management. The main risks to participants include psychological discomfort when discussing sensitive bodily topics and potential stigma from peers. For the researcher, there are professional risks when discussing intimate topics with minors. To mitigate these risks, the researcher must obtain parental consent for all participants under 18, provide clear opt-out options, and have a qualified counselor available during research sessions. All group discussions should take place in appropriate school or community settings with proper supervision.
Data collection will include questionnaire responses, interviews, and group discussions. To protect participant privacy, all data must be anonymized using pseudonyms, and personal information must be stored securely. Electronic files should be password-protected, and physical documents kept in locked storage. Audio recordings should be deleted after transcription to ensure confidentiality.
The research offers important benefits to the community. The findings can improve public health approaches to breastfeeding education and help develop better body-positive resources for young women. Healthcare providers can use this information to better understand and communicate with young women about these topics.
Power dynamics require careful consideration, particularly the age difference between researcher and teenage participants and potential institutional pressure within school settings. To address these concerns, recruitment should be conducted through neutral third parties, and participation must be entirely voluntary. Interviews should take place in locations that are both private and visible to others, and clear ground rules should be established for group discussions to prevent peer pressure.
In conclusion, while this research involves sensitive topics, it can be conducted ethically with proper safeguards. The benefits to public health education justify the carefully managed risks. However, the researcher must maintain strict adherence to ethical guidelines and prioritize participant protection throughout the study. Regular consultation with the Ethics Committee would help ensure continued ethical compliance.