Ethics in Health Education Flashcards

A health educator learns that a community program is inadvertently reinforcing health disparities for a marginalized group. The most ethical response is to:

Answer: Identify and address the inequity by modifying the program

Health educators have an ethical responsibility to actively identify and work to eliminate practices that perpetuate health disparities.

When obtaining informed consent from research participants, health educators must ensure that:

Answer: Participants understand the purpose, risks, and right to withdraw

Informed consent requires participants to fully understand the study before agreeing, including their right to withdraw without penalty.

A health educator discovers their program data shows no significant outcomes. Ethically, they should:

Answer: Report the findings accurately and use them to improve the program

Ethical reporting requires presenting findings accurately, whether positive or negative, to maintain scientific integrity.

The concept of 'do no harm' in health education is most closely aligned with which ethical principle?

Answer: Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence means avoiding actions that cause harm, which is captured by the medical maxim 'do no harm.'

A health educator working with a low-literacy population uses overly complex materials. This raises ethical concerns primarily related to:

Answer: Competence and accessibility

Using materials inappropriate for the audience's literacy level reflects a lack of competence and creates accessibility barriers, violating ethical obligations.

When a health educator has personal beliefs that conflict with a client's lifestyle choices, the ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Provide unbiased, client-centered education while maintaining professional boundaries

Health educators must respect client autonomy and provide unbiased services regardless of personal beliefs or values.

Which situation represents a dual relationship that would require ethical consideration for a CHES practitioner?

Answer: Being both a health educator and personal friend to a current client

A dual relationship occurs when a professional assumes more than one role with a client, which can compromise objectivity and professional boundaries.