Ethical Challenges in Conducting Research in Low and Middle Income Setting During Public Health Emergencies: A Qualitative Evidence of a Covid-19 Pandemic: The Experience of Iran Publisher Pubmed



Shamsigooshki E^{1, 2} ; Parsapoor A³ ; Moosavi S⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: BMC Medical Ethics Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Every minute during an epidemic is important and research in such conditions is for the benefit of the society. Considering that identifying experiences is a way to prevent repeated mistakes and prepare people to face crisis situations, this study aimed to explain participants’ experiences of ethical challenges encountered in conducting research related to Covid-19 in Iran. Method: This qualitative study was carried out using conventional content analysis for 2 years from March 2020 to March 2022 in Tehran, Iran. A number of 30 people were selected in a purposeful method and information was obtained through semi-structured interviews. The participants in the study were people with positions including members of institutional and national research ethics committees, researchers, clinicians, university hospitals managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method of data analysis in this study was conventional content analysis using the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: Participants’ experiences on ethical challenges were explained through three themes: “substantive ethical values principles”, “the Research Environment”, “Research Governance and Management”. Conclusion: This study examines ethical challenges in COVID-19 research across three domains: values, environment, and research governance. The results suggest the need to develop crisis-specific ethical frameworks, strengthen research ethics infrastructure and training, and establish more transparent standards and oversight systems. These findings could be useful in refining ethical policies and managing future crises. © The Author(s) 2025.