What must an IRB ensure when a researcher examines the quality of life for HIV-positive prisoners?

The requirement for an Institutional Review Board (IRB) when a researcher examines the quality of life for HIV-positive prisoners primarily centers around the ethical obligation to protect the privacy and confidentiality of research subjects. In the context of this scenario, maintaining the confidentiality of the prisoners' health status is crucial because it directly addresses the potential risks associated with disclosing sensitive health information.

Prisoners, particularly those who are HIV-positive, may face significant stigma and discrimination, both within the prison environment and after their release. Ensuring confidentiality helps to safeguard participants from potential negative consequences, such as ostracism or adverse treatment based on their health status. The IRB's role includes assessing whether adequate measures are in place to protect the subjects' identities and their personal health information throughout the research process.

While other options might relate to aspects of research quality or integrity, they do not specifically address the fundamental ethical principle of protecting participants in research involving sensitive topics, particularly in vulnerable populations like prisoners. Therefore, upholding confidentiality directly aligns with ethical standards in human subjects research, making it the correct focus for an IRB's oversight.