Which statement about consent and confidentiality is true for CHWs?

• A. Explain the purpose of data collection and obtain explicit consent before sharing any information.
• B. Share information with the client’s family by default to ensure support.
• C. Share all information publicly to promote health literacy.
• D. Ignore consent if the client seems well or cooperative.

Answer: (A)

Respecting consent and confidentiality means explaining to the client why data is collected, how the information will be used, and obtaining explicit permission before sharing any details. This protects the client’s autonomy and privacy, and it keeps trust intact because information is shared only with people who need to know to support the client’s care. Sharing information with the client’s family by default takes away control from the client and can undermine privacy and safety unless the client has given clear consent. Publicly sharing information also violates confidentiality and can cause harm or stigma. Ignoring consent because the client seems well or cooperative goes against ethical and legal standards for privacy. In practice, you share information only with authorized individuals and with the client’s informed consent, noting any required exceptions (such as mandated reporting) if applicable.