Issues and considerations when researching sensitive issues with men: examples from a study of men and sexual health.
This article highlights some ethical considerations and practicalities that arose when conducting research with men in relation to decision making and seeking help for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The aim of the study was to explore, using a grounded theory approach, the processes involved in making the decision to seek help. The main issues that arose were in relation to seeking permission and gaining approval, obtaining informed consent and susceptibility to harm. The interview itself and the concept of the researcher as a tool of data collection also gave rise to ethical issues. These issues have implications for the conduct of sensitive research with men and highlight the need for more overt reporting of the ethical issues and practical considerations that arise when planning and conducting research.
School of Nursing, University of Ulster, County Londonderry, UK.
Paula
P
Walls
Kader
K
Parahoo
Paul
P
Fleming
Eilis
E
McCaughan
D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D003625:Data Collection / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000941:ethics*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D035844:Researcher-Subject Relations / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012752:Shame