In the context of an Institutional Review Board (IRB), what safeguard was violated by including only Caucasian participants in a hypertension study?

In the context of an Institutional Review Board (IRB), the inclusion of only Caucasian participants in a hypertension study violates the principle of ensuring fair subject selection. This principle requires that the selection of participants is equitable and represents the diversity of the population affected by the condition under study. By including only one racial group, the study fails to capture the experiences and variations that may exist across different populations, which is crucial for the generalizability of the research findings.

Fair subject selection aims to avoid bias and ensure that the study results are applicable to a broader audience. A diverse participant pool allows researchers to understand how different factors, including genetics, socioeconomic status, and access to care, might influence health outcomes like hypertension. Inclusion of diverse groups not only enhances the validity of the research but also promotes justice in research practices by ensuring that all segments of the population have an opportunity to benefit from research advancements.

Other options pertain to important ethical considerations, but they do not directly address the issue of participant diversity. Protection of vulnerable populations focuses on ensuring that those who are more susceptible to coercion or undue influence are treated ethically. Informed consent is about ensuring participants are fully aware of the study's nature and any potential risks involved. Maintaining confidentiality guarantees that individual participants