Abstract
The need to develop code of ethics for health educators has been recognized. One advantage of developing an ethical code is that it helps professionals to define roles and to become aware of what is generally considered right or wrong professionally.
The purpose of this paper is three-fold. First, it is to clarify the advancement of research for the health educators' code of ethics in the U.S.A.. Second, is to clarify SOPHE's and AAHE's code of ethics. Its' final purpose is to provide some direction for further research in establishing a code of ethics for health educators in Japan.
SOPHE established a code of ethics in 1976, and it was revised in 1983 and 1993 to be more com prehensived and instructive. AAHE (Association for the Advancement of Health Education) sponsored a conference and seminars on ethical issues for health education. In 1994, AAHE established a code of ethics for health educators.
SOPHE (1983) 's code of ethics has seven categories- ·Relations with the public ·Responsibility to the profession ·Responsibility to colleagues ·Responsibility in employing educational strategies and methods ·Responsibility to employers ·Responsibility to students ·Responsibility in research and evaluation. AAHE's code has five categories- .Responsibility to the public ·Responsibility to the profession ·Responsibility to employers ·Responsibility in the delivery of health education ·Responsi-bility in research and evaluation.
The recommendations regarding a code of ethics for health educators (in Japan) are as follows:
1) Without a system to certify of health educators, ownership of the code of ethics may not be assumed by members of the profession. We should be more receptive to the fact that some professionals recommend further delaying the existing credentialing process. The establishment of a code of ethics will require much circumspection and patience.
2) It should be emphasized that health educators must observe the principle of informed consent or informed choice, self-determination and freedom of choice in developing the code of ethics.
3) A joint committee of professional organizations should be constituted to develop the code.
[J.J.H.E.P, 1995; 2 : 27-35]
