What is the role of IRB oversight in public health research?

• A. IRB oversight protects participants' rights and welfare
• B. IRB manages budgets
• C. IRB handles data storage
• D. IRB calibrates instruments

Answer: (A)

IRB oversight centers on protecting people who participate in research. It reviews study plans to ensure risks are minimized, that informed consent is clear and voluntary, that privacy and confidentiality of participant data are safeguarded, and that subject selection is fair. It also requires ongoing monitoring and reporting of any adverse events. In public health research, this protection helps balance potential benefits with risks to individuals and communities, upholding autonomy and welfare throughout the study. Budgeting, data storage logistics, and instrument calibration are handled by separate administrative or technical teams, not by the ethical review process.