Ethical Considerations for Violence Prevention Research in Contexts of Conflict: Lessons Learned in El Salvador

Background: Knowledge about the practices and challenges surrounding the prevention of violence and human rights violations in developing countries is sorely lacking. Little is known in the international public health literature about such efforts in El Salvador, a country with one of the highest rates of violence worldwide. Methods: A qualitative study of violence prevention efforts in San Salvador, El Salvador was undertaken in September 2009. Using purposive sampling, representatives of national and international NGOs and governmental organizations were recruited for in-depth interviews about violence prevention activities. Since respondents provided organizational information only this project was deemed not to involve “human subjects”. Results: In-depth interviews (n=7) were completed with violence prevention organization staff. Significant ethical considerations exist in reporting research results, including concern for safety of respondents in a context of recent human rights violations, including violations implicating the government. Even with deidentified data, it would be difficult to shield the identity of organizations since they are few in number and carry out unique activities. Conclusion: Despite the need for improved understanding of best practices and challenges in global violence prevention research and despite review from a human subjects review board, ethical considerations specific to contexts of heightened violence and frequent human rights violations continue to challenge the collection and dissemination of information on global efforts to improve these conditions. Potential solutions, including increased respondent control of data, will be discussed.