A group of researchers from a university want to study the correlation between climate features, population density, construction site activity, and the Dengue incidence rate. Anecdotal evidence suggests that several factors are predictive of spikes in infection rates: heavy rainfall, population density and construction site activities. The result of this research is a risk map, which will allow for the effective prediction of ‘hot zones’. Authorities will then be able to use their resources more effectively when deciding on appropriate preventive measures.

In order to carry out this study, the researchers intend to among other things, obtain health data over the last twelve months as well as over the next twelve months, from all public hospitals in Singapore regarding patients who have been diagnosed with dengue. Although researchers do not require names and IC numbers, they will need to know where the patients live and their places of work/study.

Developed for use at the 2017 CENTRES Research Ethics Conference. © 2017 National University of Singapore

Questions for Discussion

1. Would this study be permitted under the PDPA?
2. What are the general ethical concerns about conducting this study?