TITLE: The decision-making processes of individuals whose high-risk sexual behaviors expose their partners to HIV/AIDS
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: You are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to understand decision-making processes of individuals as they contemplate engaging in high risk-sexual behavior. Our aim is to use these data to increase awareness of the health risks associated with such behavior.
YOUR PARTICIPATION: You are being asked to participate in the study because you have indicated that you are over 18, have been in a committed relationship for at least one year, and have engaged in high risk sexual behavior during the time in which you were in this committed relationship.
PROCEDURES: If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked to do the following: participate in one 60-minute phone interview. Because we are concerned about the sensitive information collected in these interviews, they will be completely anonymous. You will call a 1-800 phone number and there will be no way to trace your identity to the phone call. We will not ask for your name or any other identifying information. The research is conducted by two researchers, both of whom have doctoral degrees and who are experts in the area of high risk sexual behaviors. You will be interviewed by one of these two researchers. Your interview will be recorded and transcribed. Once the transcription is complete, the tape recording of your interview will be destroyed.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION: There may be direct benefits to you as a participant in this study. You may experience benefit from an increased awareness of your behavior and thought processes. We also hope to learn how people decide to engage in high risk sexual behaviors.
RISKS OF PARTICIPATION:There are risks involved in all research studies. This study may include only minimal risks. This study presents two potential risks. First, there is a risk of emotional discomfort in talking about a potentially uncomfortable/painful subject. The second is the risk of disclosure of information and potential influence on your reputation. The researchers will make every effort to minimize these risks. If at any point in the interview you become uncomfortable or distressed, you may stop the interview at that time. We will also be able to refer you to a qualified counseling professional in your area if you need help. The researcher you talk to will ask you if this is necessary at the end of the interview. All steps will be taken to ensure the anonymity of the information. The interview will occur by phone and we will collect no identifying information. If you inadvertently reveal any identifying information during the course of your interview, it will be deleted from the research tape and not included in the transcripts. All interview transcripts and recordings will be kept in a locked filing cabinet in a locked office.
COST/COMPENSATION: There will not be financial cost to you to participate in this study. The study will take 60 minutes of your time. You will be compensated for your time. Participants will be paid $25 each for the completion of a one hour interview. The payment will take place in the form of a gift certificate of the subject's choosing from Amazon.com. In order to ensure anonymity, you will not be mailed or emailed your gift certificate. Rather, you will be given a code number at the end of your interview that will give you access to their certificate at the website of choice.
CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or concerns about the study, you may contact Katherine Hertlein (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) at 702-895-3210 or Adrian Blow (Michigan State University) at 517-432-7092. For questions regarding the rights of research subjects, any complaints or comments regarding the manner in which the study is being conducted you may contact the UNLV Office for the Protection of Research Subjects at 702-895-2794.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to participate in this study or in any part of this study. You may withdraw at any time without prejudice to your relations with the university. You are encouraged to ask questions about this study at the beginning or any time during the research study.
CONFIDENTIALITY: All information gathered in this study will be kept completely confidential. No reference will be made in written or oral materials that could link you to this study. All records will be stored in a locked facility at UNLV for at least 3 years after completion of the study. After the storage time the information gathered will be destroyed.To be compliant with the Waiver of Documentation under 45CFR46.117(c), we will provide you with an opportunity to be linked with the study if you choose during the telephone survey by stating that you will be able to give your name if you so choose.
PARTICIPANT CONSENT: I have read the above information and agree to participate in this study. I am at least 18 years of age. A copy of this form has been given to me. My consent will be documented on the audio recording.