The San Code of Ethics Versus International Ethical Guidelines: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Abstract

This study was designed to compare the San (Khoisan) code of ethics against key elements of the revised Council for International Organization of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) ethical guidelines, and the World Medical Association (WMA) Declaration of Helsinki. The study aimed to identify similarities and draw inferences in applying the San code of ethics when conducting biomedical research among indigenous populations groups in Africa and globally. In-depth interviews lasting 45 to 55 minutes were conducted among a group of 12 purposively sampled biomedical researchers in South Africa. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Participants observed some important similarities between the San Code of Ethics, the CIOMS ethical guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. Nevertheless, the research discovered that San peoples were of the opinion, that community involvement in biomedical research reduces exploitation, and enhances human dignity, and should be based on mutual respect, honesty, justice, fairness, and the ethics of care.