Ethics and responsible conduct in research: A look through the Revista Médica Hondureña

Abstract

Background: Research ethics have the purpose to protect the rights, integrity and confidentiality of participants in research studies. Scientific integrity refers to responsible conduct in research. Objective: Describe the incorporation of the theme of research ethics and scientific integrity among the publications of the Revista Médica Hondureña. Methods: Bibliometric analysis of the publications in the numbers of each volume using the terms research, scientific integrity and ethics (thematic search at http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/html5, review of the articles published in the Ethics section and thematic search by staff of the National Medical Library). Results: Of 54 articles, in 28 (51.8%), 1996- 2019, reference is made to research ethics and/or scientific integrity. Until 2010, three articles were published. The type of article was section Ethics 17, Editorial 5, Original 3, Opinion 2 and Special 1. According to the general thematic area, the articles addressed Promotion 2, Training 2, Application of the research ethics principles 16, Research ethics committees 4 and Scientific integrity 4. Discussion: Through the Revista Médica Hondureña we have visualized advances in research through the application of good practices such as research ethics and scientific integrity. Since publication is the end of the research cycle, it is necessary to promote its strengthening from other management spaces. In Honduras there is an urgent need for a national health research system.