title: Cultural aspects related to informed consent in health research: A systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In order to protect the autonomy of human subjects, we need to take their culture into account when we are obtaining informed consent.
  This study describes the cultural aspects related to informed consent in health research and is based on electronic searches that were conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases published between 2000 and 2013. A total of 25 articles were selected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our findings indicate that cultural perspectives relating to the informed consent process are essential during the whole research process and particularly crucial in the planning phase of a study. Our study indicates that appropriate communication between different stakeholders plays a vital role in cultural understanding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The researchers' awareness of cultural differences and their ability to work in a culturally sensitive way are key factors in improving study participation and retention in a multicultural context. Taking cultural aspects into account during the whole research process improves the quality of research.
authors.affiliation: Kuopio University Hospital, Finland arja.halkoaho@kuh.fi.
authors.forename: Arja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halkoaho
authors.affiliation: University of Eastern Finland, Finland.
authors.forename: Anna-Maija
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pietilä
authors.affiliation: iPSYCH & Department of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebbesen
authors.forename: Suyen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karki
authors.affiliation: University of Eastern Finland, Finland.
authors.forename: Mari
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kangasniemi
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000941:ethics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics*; D018579:Patient Selection / Q000941:ethics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design
keywords: Autonomy; cultural; informed consent; research ethics; systematic review