Research ethics in context: understanding the vulnerabilities, agency and resourcefulness of research participants living along the Thai-Myanmar border.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Research ethics guidelines set a high bar for conducting research with vulnerable populations, often resulting in their exclusion from beneficial research. Our study aims to better characterise participants' vulnerabilities, agency, resourcefulness and sources of support.

Methods

We undertook qualitative research around two clinical studies involving migrant women living along the Thai-Myanmar border. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with research participants, families, researchers and key informants.

Results

We found that being 'undocumented' is at the core of many structural vulnerabilities, reflecting political, economic, social and health needs. Although migrant women lead challenging lives, they have a support network

SUBMITTER: Khirikoekkong N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7651704 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature