Trends and Outcomes of Health Research Ethics Committee Applications in a Nigerian Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Background: Bioethics is fundamental to the conduct of health research, and the dissemination of research findings constitutes an ethical obligation. The Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) applications play a central role in safeguarding ethical standards throughout the research process.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the trends and outcomes of HREC applications in a Nigerian tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a 4-year retrospective review of research protocol applications submitted to the Federal Medical Center, Abuja HREC between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Data extracted included the number of applications, study type, purpose, specialty, study location, source of sponsorship, and approval outcomes. Results were summarized using tables and charts.