vulnerability; local oversight; multinational research; collaborative partnerships; consent; parent/guardian permission; privacy, adolescent pregnancy, qualitative interviews, adolescents
There is limited research on the challenges faced by adolescents who are pregnant. Exploring the opinions and experiences of individuals within this population can help guide the design of policies and interventions to prevent adolescent pregnancy, which can be associated with significant health risks and negative social consequences. Further research is needed toward evidence-based development of preventive policies and programs.
An Australian research team is conducting a study of adolescent pregnancy in Southeast Asia. This research, which received ethics clearance from an Australian research ethics committee (REC), will involve pregnant people who are 16-20 years of age in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Malaysia. Based on the Australian approved protocol, consent for this study from those who are pregnant out of wedlock can be waived. This was based on the reason that since these young people could make decisions regarding sex and contraception, they should also be able to decide to participate in research. Toward providing evidence for sound policy decisions, the collaborative research project will share methodologies, findings, and future research plans with key stakeholders, including United Nations agencies, governments, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in each country.
Research sites in each country were chosen to represent a range of environments, including urban, peri-urban, and rural settings, since these may be associated with variable access to health care services as well as variable availability of assistance from NGO partners to identify research participants. The researchers will be conducting interviews in safe locations away from participants’ homes to protect their privacy. About 75 interviews will be conducted at each site, involving about 300 adolescent research participants.
Questions
What are some of the potential issues that may arise for this study, given that the protocol and REC review came from outside the countries where the study will be implemented? What recommendations would you make to ensure the study and study oversight are reflective of local contexts?
Should a psychiatrist or psychologist be included as part of the research team to ensure the well-being of participants? Why or why not? What potential needs might such a person anticipate, and what sorts of responses would be appropriate to address those needs within the scope of their responsibility?
In Malaysia, sex with a girl under the age of 16 years is considered statutory rape. Do researchers have an obligation to report to authorities cases identified during research recruitment and/or interviews?
Should parent/guardian permission be obtained or waived? If permission from parents/legal guardians is required, will it affect adolescent participants’ ability to speak to the researchers honestly and freely?
How should data collection be managed to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality?
