PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET FORM
Title: ‘How do tobacco smokers tell the difference between when they are experiencing nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine?’
Chief Investigator
Ms. Jaime Reed
College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Flinders University
Tel: 8201 7500.
Supervisor
Dr. Yvonne Parry
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Flinders University
Tel: 8201 7500.
My name is Jaime Reed and I am a Flinders University student in the Master of Nursing (Coursework and Research) programme. I am undertaking this research as part of my degree. For further information, you are more than welcome to contact my supervisor. Her details are listed above.
Description of the study
This project is a confidential and anonymous online survey that will explore how tobacco smokers tell the difference between when they are experiencing nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine. This project is supported by Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Purpose of the study
This project aims to find out how smokers tell the difference between when they are experiencing nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine. It is hoped that by learning more about smokers’ understanding of nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine that this will lead to improved smoking cessation resources and programmes.
Benefits of the study
The sharing of your experiences will help to explain how smokers tell the difference between when they are experiencing nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine from the smokers’ perspective. Most of the research on smoking is conducted from the scientists’ or researchers’ perspective. To fully understand smoking, it is important to have smokers’ perspectives about smoking. A benefit of the study is to have your perspective included in the research project.
Participant involvement and potential risks
If you agree to participate in the research study, you will be asked to:
• respond to an online survey regarding your understanding and experience of nicotine withdrawal and cravings for nicotine.
Completing the survey will take 10 – 30 minutes depending on how much time and detail you would like to put into answering the questions. Participation in the research is entirely voluntary.
It is not expected answering the questions will cause any harm or discomfort to you. However, if you experience feelings of distress as a result of participation in this study, you can contact the following services for support:
• Lifeline – 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636, www.beyondblue.org.au
• Quitline – 137 848, www.cancersa.org.au
• Flinders University Counselling Service - 8201 2118 https://students.flinders.edu.au/student-services/hcd or email: counselling@flinders.edu.au
• Your doctor will also be able to provide you with information and support.
Withdrawal Rights
You may, without any penalty, decline to take part in this research study. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you may, without any penalty, withdraw at any time without providing an explanation. To withdraw, simply close the internet browser and leave the online survey. Any data collected up to the point of my withdrawal will be securely destroyed.
My decision not to participate or to withdraw from this research study will not affect my relationship with Flinders University and its staff and students.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Only researchers listed on this form have access to the individual information provided by me. Privacy and confidentiality will be assured at all times. The research outcomes may be presented at conferences, written up for publication or used for other research purposes as described in this information form. However, the privacy and confidentiality of individuals will be protected at all times. I will not be named, and my individual information will not be identifiable in any research products without my explicit consent.
No data, including identifiable, non-identifiable and de-identified datasets, will be shared or used in future research projects without my explicit consent.
Data Storage
The information collected may be stored securely on a password protected computer and/or Flinders University server throughout the study. Any identifiable data will be de-identified for data storage purposes unless indicated otherwise. All data will be securely transferred to and stored at Flinders University for at least five years after publication of the results. Following the required data storage period, all data will be securely destroyed according to university protocols.
How will I receive feedback?
It is expected that the both the research project and findings based upon it will be completed by 30/09/2021. If you would like to receive feedback on the research project, please request a summary of the findings via email: reed0035@flinders.edu.au
Ethics Committee Approval
The project has been approved by Flinders University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 2721).
Queries and Concerns
Queries or concerns regarding the research can be directed to the research team. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this study, you may contact the Flinders University’s Research Ethics & Compliance Office team via telephone on 08 8201 3116 or email human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and if you accept our invitation to be involved in the research project, please proceed to the survey.