You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide to continue, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully.
What is the purpose of the study?
The aim of this current study is to explore the beliefs and perceptions of polycystic ovary syndrome in South Asian women as there seems to be little research in this area. The findings obtained from this study may be used to aid future research and further our understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Why have I been chosen?
For the purpose of this study, I am very interested in the experiences of PCOS in south Asian women.
Do I have to take part?
No. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part as participation is voluntary. If you do decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time.
What will happen to me if I take part?
You will firstly be asked to consent to taking part in this survey type study. In addition the researcher will also inform all participants that take part that the researcher will Google there username in order to analyse additional comments they have made in other discussion boards about there illness beliefs of PCOS and the possible impact it has on themselves as South Asian women. Please note that the researcher will obtain informed consent prior to doing this. Once you have consented you will be directed to complete an online survey which will ask you questions about your experience of having PCOS. Upon completion of the online survey you will be asked to read a document called the ‘debrief sheet’ which will explain all the details of the study.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
Your participation in this study may result in you feeling uncomfortable about sharing your experience of having PCOS. If so, you do have the right to withdraw at anytime. The risks in you participating in this study are minimal.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
If you haven’t already had chance to do so, being part of this study will allow you to voice your experience of having PCOS and potentially help others understand the illness and beliefs associated with this condition. It may also provide you with an insight into the process of psychological research and how it is conducted. An additional benefit of taking part in this study is that you will be contributing to the current knowledge of experiences of PCOS.
What if something goes wrong?
If you have any questions, issues or concerns or if your unhappy about the way you have been treated, please contact the researcher directly on bhatg@coventry.ac.uk or contact the researcher's supervisor Dr Carol Percy who is a senior lecturer at Coventry University and an experienced researcher in the field of PCOS, she can be contacted directly by email at c.percy@coventry.ac.uk. If you feel unhappy about the way you have been treated in this study and wish to make a formal complaint then please contact Coventry University Ethic's Committee directly via email at ethics.uni@coventry.ac.uk or alternatively if you wish to speak to somebody then please contact Denise Mclardy Senior Registry Assistant on 02476888217.