Ethical considerations for low-risk qualitative research on mental health that includes subjects with mental suffering

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mental health research is usually a minority of the studies conducted and does not generally play a key role in public health research agendas. However, mental health problems have gained increased attention especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government agencies in Argentina have developed a strategy for a comprehensive approach to mental health. The objective of this study was to identify the ethical problems to be considered in low-risk research using a qualitative methodological approach with human subjects with mental suffering and to describe ethical requirements for this research. METHODS: A mapping of the norms, codes, treaties, laws, regulations, resolutions and provisions on ethical requirements for health research with human beings in Argentina was carried out. RESULTS: Subjects with mental suffering may have difficulties in giving their free and informed consent and may be in a situation of vulnerability that requires the implementation of specific protection measures and the anonymization of the data collected in this type of research to avoid discrimination and stigmatization. DISCUSSION: A series of measures are recommended that could contribute to the protection of the right to mental health of the participants, emphasizing the safeguard of the autonomy, the minimization of risks and the anonymization of data.