Ethics in Health Education Flashcards

A health education organization is allocating limited resources for community programs. Using an ethical framework, priority should be given to:

Answer: Populations with the greatest health need and fewest existing resources

The principle of justice requires prioritizing those with the greatest need and fewest resources when allocating limited health education resources.

A health educator is asked to advocate publicly for a policy position that aligns with their funder's interests but lacks strong evidence. The ethical concern here involves:

Answer: Conflict of interest and scientific integrity

Advocating for positions driven by funder interests rather than evidence creates a conflict of interest and compromises professional integrity.

What is the primary ethical reason for maintaining professional boundaries with program participants?

Answer: To protect both the client and the professional from exploitation or harm

Professional boundaries protect participants from exploitation and maintain the integrity of the therapeutic or educational relationship.

A CHES practitioner is approached to endorse a commercial health product for payment. To act ethically, the practitioner should:

Answer: Disclose the financial relationship and only endorse if evidence supports the product

Transparency about financial relationships and basing endorsements on evidence are both required for ethical professional conduct.

Which ethical obligation requires health educators to continue updating their knowledge and skills throughout their career?

Answer: Professional competence

Maintaining professional competence requires ongoing professional development to ensure health education services remain current and effective.

A health educator discovers that a program they implemented has caused unintended psychological distress among participants. Ethically, the next step is to:

Answer: Immediately assess and address participant harm and modify or halt the program

Nonmaleficence requires immediate action to assess and minimize harm when a program is found to be causing unintended negative outcomes.

In the CHES Code of Ethics, the responsibility to 'serve the public interest' means health educators should:

Answer: Place community health and wellbeing above personal or organizational gain

Serving the public interest requires health educators to prioritize the health and wellbeing of the community, even over personal or organizational interests.