1. Participant Information Sheet (Yoga Users)

Name of Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Stephen Buetow
Name of Co-investigator(s): Dr Ruth Teh and Dr Fiona Moir  
Name of Student Researcher: Sridhar Maddela  

Introduction
This study is designed to investigate how yoga use impacts the quality of life in New Zealand. This study may help us to better understand yoga use in New Zealand because there is very little research on the use of yoga in this country. I would like to ask you, as yoga user, to take part in the study.  You are free not to take part without having to give any reason.

Participation
Please note that you must be 16 years and over to take part in this study.

Participation involves you self-completing an online questionnaire within the next two weeks. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. If you are have begun practising yoga within the last three months, you may also be asked to participate in the second stage of this study. The second stage lasts for nine months, it involves completing a questionnaire and giving an interview at three months, six months and nine months respectively. Your participation is entirely voluntary.  

What is this study about?
The purpose of this study is to understand how the health expectations, education, and experiences of yoga users influence their health-related quality of life

Risks and benefits
Please note that your participation in the study could produce incidental findings of the state of your health. In the case of such findings, you are welcome to inform the researcher, who will support you in taking appropriate action, such as referral to a relevant professional.

Participants’ right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw without giving a reason. You have two weeks to withdraw yourself and the data you have provided for the research.

Confidentiality
The identity of each participant will be known to the researchers, but we undertake to keep the identity confidential. Individual participants' names will not be reported or published. To maintain confidentiality, the information you provide, including your IP addresses, will be securely stored on password-protected, restricted access, University of Auckland computer.

Results

Findings reported in the thesis may be published in research journals and disseminated within the health care sector. Individual participants' names will not be reported or published. You can receive a summary of findings if you are interested in indicating this in the consent form.

Statement of assurance

Please note that your participation or not in the study will not impact your relationship with your yoga provider.
Contact details
If you have any questions about this study, please contact the:

Researcher: Sridhar Maddela
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care
School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland
Email: smad039@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Principal Investigator/Supervisor: Associate Professor Stephen Buetow
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care 
Landline: 09 923 6241
Email: s.buetow@auckland.ac.nz

Head of the Academic Unit: Professor Bruce Arroll
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care 
Landline: 09 923 6978
Email: bruce.arroll@auckland.ac.nz

UAHPEC Chair contact details: 
For any queries regarding ethical concerns, you may contact the Chair, The University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee, Office of Research Strategy and Integrity, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142.  Telephone 09 373-7599 ext. 83711.  Email: humanethics@auckland.ac.nz

Statement of Approval
Approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee on 13th February 2020 for three years, Reference Number 024066
Consent Form (Yoga Users)

I have read the Participant Information Sheet about this research on the health expectations, education, and experiences of yoga users in New Zealand.  I understand what this research is about and why I have been asked to take part in it.
  • I agree to take part in this research.
  • I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I may choose not to participate.
  • I understand that this research is for individuals who are 16 years and above.
  • I agree to complete the online survey questionnaire(s), and by clicking the tab at the end of this form I am consenting to participate in the study.
  • I understand that this research has a second stage and that I may be invited to participate in the second stage.
  • I understand that the data I provide will be kept confidential.
  • I understand that I have the right to withdraw within two weeks along with the data I have provided for this study.
  • I understand that the information I give about me will be treated sensitively by the research team and used by them only.
  • I understand that my confidentiality will be preserved in all reports, publications (journal articles), and presentations.
  • I understand that the study data will be stored securely for six years by the University of Auckland.
  • I know whom to contact if I have any questions about the study or want to discuss any aspect of it.
  • I understand that the information provided by me will be securely stored on a password-protected University of Auckland computer.
  • I understand that my participation or not in the study will not impact my relationship with my yoga provider.
Statement of approval
Approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee on 13th February 2020 for three years, Reference Number 024066


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