Which of the following is classified as a vulnerable population in research?

The classification of vulnerable populations in research is guided by their heightened susceptibility to coercion or undue influence, as well as their potential inability to protect their own rights and welfare in a research context. Pregnant women, children, and prisoners are specifically identified as vulnerable populations due to various reasons.

Pregnant women may face risks related to both their health and the health of their unborn child, necessitating careful consideration and protection under research protocols. Children are considered vulnerable because they often lack the capacity to provide informed consent and may not fully understand the implications of participation in research. Prisoners are in a unique circumstance where their freedom is restricted, which can create power imbalances that may affect their ability to give voluntary consent without coercion.

In comparison, healthy adults who have given consent, volunteers from the general public, and individuals under 18 may not face the same level of risk or coercion. For instance, while individuals under 18 are often included in discussions about vulnerable populations, it is more about the condition of their involvement rather than age alone; they may be considered vulnerable but only depending on the circumstances, such as their specific capacity to consent. Therefore, the correct classification is C, as it represents a group of individuals who are consistently recognized as needing additional