Ethical complexities of conducting research in developing countries

Article Abstract:

Officials of the US National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe that it is ethical to use a placebo in clinical trials in developing countries that evaluate treatments for HIV infection. Zidovudine has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of an infected pregnant woman transmitting the virus to her baby. However, most Third World populations cannot afford zidovudine. Other interventions must be tested and only a placebo-controlled trial will show whether the intervention is better than no treatment. Developing countries cannot afford to waste resources on treatments that may be no better than a placebo.

Research, Prevention, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Developing countries, HIV infection in children, Pediatric HIV infections, Zidovudine

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Ethical issues in studies in Thailand of the vertical transmission of HIV

Article Abstract:

Many physicians have criticized studies of HIV transmission during pregnancy in developing countries because some of the women were not given zidovudine but a placebo. A physician from the Thai Red Cross Society states that this was the case in one study begun in Thailand in 1994. At that time, many Thai physicians were not convinced their patients would benefit from zidovudine. In addition, the infrastructure to test all pregnant women and follow their newborn infants did not exist. Financial constraints may also have been a consideration. Trials considered ethical at one time may become unethical as new knowledge arises.

Thailand, HIV infections, Science and technology policy, Pregnancy, HIV infection in pregnancy

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Cigars and public health

Article Abstract:

Cigar smoking appears to be just as dangerous as cigarette smoking. A 1999 study found that cigar smoking was associated with coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and cancer of the upper digestive tract. Sales of cigars rose 50% between 1993 and 1998. Cigar smokers tend to be well educated and often choose cigars over cigarettes. Cigars should carry warning labels just as other tobacco products do. Passive cigar smoke is as unhealthy as passive cigarette smoke. Federal and state laws are needed to discourage minors from buying cigars.

Editorial, Cigars

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