Introduction

Welcome. Thank you for participating in our study.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas supports the practice of protection for human subjects participating in research. The following information is provided for you to decide whether you wish to participate in the present study. You should be aware that even if you agree to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without penalty.

We are conducting this study to better understand attitudes, opinions and beliefs of journalists and editors about chronic pain, chronic pain patients and opioid medication use and abuse. This will entail your completion of an online survey. Your participation is expected to take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The content of the survey should cause no more discomfort than you would experience in your everyday life. There are no risks in taking this survey and your participation will not affect your current employment status.

Although participation may not benefit you directly, we believe that the information obtained from this study will help us gain a better understanding of how media drives public opinion about health topics. Your participation is solicited, although strictly voluntary. Please be assured that your individual responses will remain anonymous and will only be reported as part of the group results.* Please be assured that your individual responses will remain anonymous and will only be reported as part of the group results. There are no risks in taking this survey and your participation will not affect your current employment status.

*It is possible, however, with internet communications, that through intent or accident someone other than the intended recipient may see your response.

If you would like additional information concerning this study before or after it is completed, please feel free to contact us by phone or mail.

Completion of the survey indicates your willingness to take part in this study and that you are at least 18 years old. If you have any additional questions about your rights as a research participant, you may call (785) 864-7429 or write the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), University of Kansas, 2385 Irving Hill Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7563, email irb@ku.edu. 

Once you have answered the questions and moved on to another page, DO NOT click the "back" button.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mugur Geana
Principal Investigator
KU School of Journalism and Mass Communications
geanam@ku.edu
 
Dr. Scott Reinardy
Co-Principal Investigator
KU School of Journalism and Mass Communications
reinardy@ku.edu

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* 1. Medical experts are my primary sources for my health stories.

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* 2. Anecdotal stories from people who experience health issues are my primary sources for my health stories.

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* 3. Spokespeople are my primary sources for my health stories.

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* 4. Local, state and federal agencies are primary sources for my health stories.

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* 5. Who or what are your sources when producing stories about chronic pain?

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* 6. Can you think of additional sources for your health stories? If so, please name them.

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* 7. Think of your previous answers. Which are most relevant when developing stories? Please name those sources.

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