Factors associated with interest in using genetic testing to identify predisposition for psychological and physical health conditions

Factors associated with interest in using genetic testing to identify predisposition for psychological and physical health conditions

1. Invitation

You are invited to participate in a research study examining how people feel about genetic testing for psychological disorders.  This study is being run by Dr Christine Padgett from the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Tasmania.  Before you decide to participate in this research, please read the information provided, and feel free to ask any questions if necessary. 

2. What is the purpose of this study?

We are interested in whether people are more or less likely to have genetic tests for mental health conditions as compared to tests for physical health conditions, and whether people are more interested in tests for conditions that might occur later in life, as opposed to early adulthood. 

3. Why have I been invited to participate?

You are eligible to participate in this study because you're either an undergraduate UTAS student, or a member from the general population over the age of 18. Participatio in this study is completely voluntary and there will be no consequence for individuals who do not wish to participate in this study.

4.  What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to complete an online survey.  The survey includes a range of questions relating to the following:

• Your age, gender, and other general information about yourself
• How you rate your knowledge about genetic testing, and some general knowledge questions about genetics
• How ‘in control’ you feel in terms of your health and ability to access medical advice and support
• How you would feel about getting a genetic test for mental health conditions and physical  health conditions

We expect the survey to take about 20-25 minutes to complete.

5.  Are there any possible benefits from participation in this study?

It is not anticipated that your involvement in this study will result in any direct benefits. However, the data collected from this research will provide further understanding of how people make decisions about genetic testing.

After completing this study, non-psychology undergraduates and members of the general public will have the opportunity to go into the draw to win a $50 Coles/Myer gift voucher. First year psychology undergraduates from UTAS will be provided with the choice to either enter the gift voucher draw or receive 30 minute research participation course credit via SONA for their involvement in this study.

6.  Are there any possible risks from participation in this study?

Other than the inconvenience of completing an online survey, there are no anticipated risks associated with this study.  However, should you have any concerns please contact the investigators (see point 10 for contact details).

7. What if I change my mind during or after the study?

You are free to withdraw from the study at any point when you are completing the survey.  However, as this survey is anonymous and there will be no identifiable data, we will not be able to retrieve and delete individual responses once the survey is completed.

8. What will happen to the data when this study is over?

All data that is collected from this study will be safely secured and kept confidential.  It will be securely saved on a password-protected server in the School of Psychology. In accordance with National Ethics standards, we would like to indefinitely retain your anonymous (non-identified) data to also use in future related research projects.  This data would not contain any identifying information about you.

9. How will the results of the study be published?

All data in this study will be anonymous. Data from this study will be discussed and published as an Honours thesis, and may be published elsewhere. If you wish to be notified on the results of this study, please feel free to contact us.

10. What if I have questions about this study?

If you have any queries, concerns or issues with this study, please feel free to contact us:

• Dr Christine Padgett: Email: Christine.Padgett@utas.edu.au or phone 6226 5718

This study has been approved by the Tasmania Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee.  If you have concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study, you can contact the Executive Officer of the HREC (Tasmania) Network on (03) 6226 6254 or email human.ethics@utas.edu.au The Executive Officer is the person nominate to receive complaints from research participants.  You will need to quote 24764.

11. How can I agree to be involved?

If you do wish to take part within this study, you will be required to select ‘agree’ on the following online consent form. Selecting ‘agree’ on the consent form will indicate that you agree to participate in this study, and you will then be directed to the survey.

Thank you for your time.