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Vulnerable Population: Definition and Analysis
Defining the population sample in research is critical for the validity and reliability of the study outcomes. In research, the vulnerable population is defined as a group of individuals that requires a higher level of protection against the potential consequences of participation in the study (Arias et al., 2015). People belonging to the vulnerable populations are generally more susceptible to the risks of research experiments, as they have a reduced ability to give voluntary consent or may be protected by legal measures.
The population is considered vulnerable for the lack of capacity to make or execute autonomous decisions and communicate an informed understanding of the research procedures and outcomes. Close attention is paid to the possible decisional impairment and inability to act in ones own interest, as a result of the influence of the third party (Bracken-Rochel et al., 2017). Another important reason is situational vulnerability, where members of specific population groups can be coerced to undergo practices they would otherwise avoid (Quinn, 2015). When defining the population sample, it is important to analyze whether the decisional impairment or situational variability takes place.
The groups considered as vulnerable populations can differ depending on the scope, purpose, and methodology of the research. Some common demographic groups include but are not limited to children (minors under the legal age), imprisoned individuals, facility residents (patients of mental health institutions or geriatric individuals in nursing homes) (Quinn, 2015). Patients who have life-threatening diseases such as AIDS or cancer, people with mental health impairments, and victims of traumatic incidents are also typically referred to an as vulnerable populations (Bracken-Rochel et al., 2017).
Other population groups to take into account are individuals with economic disadvantage, elderly people, and subordinates of the researcher (Quinn, 2015). Limited knowledge of the language of the country where a person resides in or severe crisis, such as war, should also be considered when determining vulnerable populations.
References
Arias, J. J., Pham-Kanter, G., Gonzalez, R., & Campbell, E. G. (2015). Trust, vulnerable populations, and genetic data sharing. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, 2(3), 747-753. Web.
Bracken-Rochel, D., Bell, E., Macdonald, M. E., & Racinel, E. (2017). The concept of vulnerability in research ethics: An in-depth analysis of policies and guidelines. Health Research Policy & Systems, 15(8), 1-18. Web.
Quinn, C. R. (2015). General considerations for research with vulnerable populations: Ten lessons for success. Health & Justice, 3(1), 1-7. Web.
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