Longitudinal Study of Subjective Fatigue

Thank you for considering participating in this longitudinal study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate predictors of fatigue in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis as well as in normal controls. Possible predictors of fatigue may include: viral infection, sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression, or possibly, particular cognitions or thoughts.

This research is intended to help us better understand the way in which these factors may impact on fatigue over time.

If you decide that you would like to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire on 5 occasions: now, then in 3, 6, 9, and 12 months time.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CLICK ON THE BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO INDICATE THAT YOU GIVE YOUR CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY.

Participation is completely voluntary and you can withdraw from the study at any time. Responses are anonymous and you are encouraged to be honest as possible in your replies. Data collected in this study will not be linked with any identifying details. An electronic copy of the de-identified data will be kept for at least 5-years to meet requirements of the UNE Human Research Ethics committee.

It is completely up to you whether you would like to participate in the study. If you wish to discontinue participation after you have begun, you are also free to do so.

To participate in this study, you must be 18 years or older. Your completion of the questionnaires will be taken as your consent to participate.

Some items in the questionnaire may bring up distressing memories for you. In the event that completing the questionnaire does bring up distressing memories or reminds you of personal issues you would like to discuss with a mental health professional, please contact UNE Counselling Centre or local Community Health Centres (consult the white pages of your regional telephone directory). Any questions or issues regarding the study may be addressed to Dr Rhonda Brown (02 6773 2410 or rhonda.brown@une.edu.au).

If you have any questions regarding the procedures used in this research you can contact Natasha Loi by emailing her at nloi@une.edu.au or Dr Einar Thorsteinsson at ethorste@une.edu.au

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New England (Approval No. HE08/077, Valid to 30/07/2011)

Should you have any complaints concerning the manner in which this research is conducted, please contact the Research Ethics Officer at the following address:

Research Services, University of New England, NSW 2351
Telephone: (02) 6773 3449
Facsimile: (02) 6773 3543

I have read the above information and any questions I have asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate in this activity, realising that I may withdraw at any time. I agree that research data gathered for the study may be published, provided my name is not used. I declare that I am 18 years of age or older. I understand that continuing from this page indicates my consent to participate in the study.

I have read the above information and any questions I have asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate in this activity, realising that I may withdraw at any time. I agree that research data gathered for the study may be published, provided my name is not used. I declare that I am 18 years of age or older. I understand that continuing from this page indicates my consent to participate in the study. I understand that continuing from this page indicates my consent to participate in the study.