INTRODUCTION
You are invited to join a research study led by Dr. Samer A. Kharroubi (AUB) and Dr. Fatima Al Sayah (CCHO). The study is about the health and quality of life of people in Lebanon. We’ll ask you questions about your health and well-being. Please read this carefully before deciding to take part.
PURPOSE
The main goal is to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) of people in Lebanon using widely used quality of life questionnaires. We also want to understand the factors impacting the quality of life of people in Lebanon, and investigate the relationship between food insecurity and quality of life. The study will be online and involve an adult population in Lebanon.
PROCEDURE
If you agree to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete an online survey that will be anonymous. You can complete the survey at any time that is convenient to you. The survey is available in both Arabic and English. You are eligible to participate if you are 18 years or older and currently live in Lebanon.
After the survey, you can enter a draw to win one of 10 gift cards (each valued at $50). Your name and contact information for the draw will be kept separately from the survey.
RISK, DISCOMFORTS AND BENEFITS
There are no direct benefits and no anticipated risks associated with participation in this study. Your participation is entirely on a voluntary basis and you have the right to withdraw your consent or discontinue participation at any time without penalty. Refusal or withdrawal from the study will involve no loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled nor will it affect your relationship with AUB/AUBMC. You are also allowed to skip any questions they do not wish to answer.
After completing the survey, if you suffer from pain, mental health, or any physical condition, the research team advise to check your health status with your family physician. Please check referral mechanisms to certain NGOs that may provide mental health or humanitarian assistance if you suffer from food insecurity or mental distress.
CONFIDENTIALITY
If you agree to participate in this research study, the information will be kept confidential. The questionnaire is anonymous and there will not be any collection of personal identifiers. We will assign a code to identify you in our records instead of using your name. Your records will be monitored and audited without violating your confidentiality. Your individual privacy will be maintained in all published research and reports resulting from this study.
Only the members of the research group will have access to the questionnaires that will be used for research purposes only. Data will be stored on the password-protected computers. Also, your records will be monitored and may be audited by representatives of the Institutional Research Board (IRB) who will make sure the study is conducted properly and that your rights are protected while assuring confidentiality.
CONTACT INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
You can take a screenshot of this consent form and if you have any questions or concerns about the research, you may contact: Dr. Samer A Kharroubi, Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences-AUB Tel: 961-1-350000 (Ext 4541) E-mail: sk157@aub.edu.lb
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about your rights as a participant in this research, you can contact the following office at AUB: Social & Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board Address: American University of Beirut; Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon Tel: 00961 1 374374, ext: 5445 Email: irb@aub.edu.lb
