Children’s Participation In Health Research

Some wonder if children’s participation in health research is ethically acceptable or not. While it may seem impossible, the answer to this is yes. In these situations, experts adhere to strict ethical standards that allow children to participate in such studies.

In fact, researchers say health research is necessary. After all, there is no other way to improve medical therapies and programs that help children stay healthy.

What should you know about these studies?

Participation of children in health research

It is important to stress that the body of children is not the same as that of adults. Therefore, they have different medical needs. When drugs are not tested in children, it leads to “therapeutic orphanage”.

While this concept may seem strange, it is simply an expression that children are orphans in this regard. It is not intended to spread panic, but rather to help people reflect on the importance of continuing research under controlled conditions.

It must be done with ethical precautions as well as taking care of the child’s well-being. Parents or guardians must give permission for minors to participate in such research.

Testing of pharmaceutical products

“Children first” does not apply in these cases. Unlike other times when children are an absolute priority, for studies, drug testing is performed in the following order:

• First with animals.
• Then with smaller animals.
• After that in adult people.
• Finally, in children, if the drug in question is intended for them.

Today, experts have rethought the use of animals in drug testing and are looking for alternative methods. However, all research must be conducted in strict accordance with ethical principles.

Let’s talk about the snow effect

Certain studies require a test substance to be compared with another substance, which is not helpful but also not harmful. In other words, it is a placebo.

In order for experts to use placebo in a study, they need to ensure that other products cannot be compared to it. In these cases, the use of placebo is definitely contraindicated and is regulated by law and regulations.

Research ethics committees to participate in health research

Health institutions have research ethics committees that protect participants in health research. When experts do research on children, they need to take more precautions.

Nothing is left to chance

While it is possible to do health research on children, nothing should be left to chance. The experts must be very thorough. They must provide information to both parents and the child according to their ability to understand.

Participation of children in health research: altruism and solidarity

Although children’s participation in health research usually seeks to find or develop a drug to cure a particular disease or alleviate symptoms in children, it is important to understand that according to the various stages of research, it benefits not only the child but also the third party.

However, studies do not always produce satisfactory results. That is why we mentioned altruism (meaning selfless and selfless activity in which the good of another is put before one’s own interests.)

The basic question is: to what extent can we harness the child for the benefit of a third party? Does this answer depend on whether the child is healthy or has an illness?

Fortunately, the children go for regular checkups and most of them are in good shape. However, some of them require treatment.

An international research project called “Ethical Reseach Involving Children” aims to improve research with children. It seeks to take advantage of different disciplines, theoretical aspects, and methodological and international connections.

Unicef ​​also has extensive experience in this and in the protection of children participating in health research.

Is it possible for children to participate in health research?

The answer is yes.

However, it is imperative that experts adhere to all ethical requirements. The professionals involved should provide adequate information to the minor’s parents or counselors. In addition, research needs to be more rigorous.