INTRODUCTION

You are invited to take part in our study. Before you decide we would like you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. One of our team will go through the information sheet with you and answer any questions you have. Talk to others about the study if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear. If you decide to take part you are free to change your mind at any time during the study.

If there is any part of this information sheet that you do not understand, or require further information about, please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you have. Our contact details are on the back page.

ABOUT THIS RESEARCH STUDY

The aim of this project is to identify how we can prevent type 2 diabetes in Black women who have gestational diabetes in pregnancy in Nottingham. The project specifically focusses on Black women who live in Hyson Green, St. Ann’s, Forest Fields, Bobber’s Mill, Radford and The Park.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS RESEARCH STUDY?

Women who have gestational diabetes in pregnancy have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later on. Although Black women have a high risk of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, there is very little research on this.  

This project aims to fill the gap in the research by looking at the factors behind why Black women in Nottingham might go on to develop type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

WHY HAVE YOU BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART?

You have been invited to take part because you have gestational diabetes or had gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE PART?

No, taking part in this study is voluntary. If you do decide to take part but later change your mind, you are free to withdraw at any time by contacting the research team/researcher using the information provided at the end of this document.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

If you would like to take part, all the details will be explained to you by one of the research team. You will be able to ask questions and if you decide you would like to take part, you will be asked to give your written consent. The project is split into three parts:

Part 1

Individual or group discussions which might include your experience of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the care and information you received from health care professionals such as midwives or your GP. Interviews may be recorded and transcribed.

Part 2

You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire (one of the research team can help you complete this).

Part 3

An individual discussion covering how you feel about the area you live in and the amenities available to you. This may include walking if you are open to it.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF TAKING PART

If you choose to take part your experiences and insights will add to much needed research on Black women. You will receive a £20 high street shopping voucher each time you participate in a discussion group or share your views.

We may cover topics including pregnancy, birth, weight, eating habits and food. These topics can be upsetting for some people. You will be able to ask for a break from the discussions at any time and there will be information available after the session to support you further if needed.

WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you should ask to speak to the researchers who will do their best to answer your questions. If you remain unhappy and wish to complain formally, you can do this by contacting the Nottingham University Business School Research Ethics Officer. All contact details are given at the end of this information sheet.

WILL YOUR PARTICIPATION BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?

We will follow ethical and legal practice and all information about you will be handled in confidence.

If you join the study, the data collected for the study will be looked at by authorised persons from the University of Nottingham who are organising the research. They may also be looked at by authorised people to check that the study is being carried out correctly. All will have a duty of confidentiality to you as a research participant and we will do our best to meet this duty.

All information which is collected about you during the project will be kept strictly confidential, secured within the University of Nottingham.  Any information about you which leaves the University will have your name and address removed (anonymised) and a unique code will be used so that you cannot be recognised from it. Anonymised data may also be stored in data archives for future researchers interested in this area. you as a research participant and we will do our best to meet this duty.

Your personal data (address, telephone number) will be kept for 3 years after the end of the study so that we are able to contact you about the findings of the study and possible follow-up studies (unless you advise us that you do not wish to be contacted). All identifiable research data will be kept securely for 7 years. After this time your data will be disposed of securely. During this time all precautions will be taken by all those involved to maintain your confidentiality, only members of the research team will have access to your personal data.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR INFORMATION IS USED?

• by asking one of the research team

• by contacting us via the e-mail address or phone number at the end of this sheet

• by contacting the University’s Data Protection Officer via email on dpo@nottingham.ac.uk

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH STUDY?

The results of the study will be used in a thesis and published in several research papers and conference presentations. We will also share our progress and findings in regular participant newsletters and send you a copy of the final results if you want us to.

WHO IS FUNDING THE RESEARCH?

This research study is being conducted by Anna Firth, a PhD researcher from the University of Nottingham. Her studentship is funded by UK Research England.

WHO HAS REVIEWED THE RESEARCH STUDY?

This research was approved by the Nottingham University Business School Research Ethics Committee. Approval means that the committee is satisfied that your rights will be respected, that any risks have been reduced to a minimum and balanced against possible benefits and that you have been given sufficient information on which to make an informed decision. The study has also been reviewed by the University of Nottingham.

ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS

Please let us know if you will need help taking part in the study. For example, you may need help with video conferencing, or you may have mobility issues and need support getting to in person meetings. Contact Anna Firth, using the details below and she will be happy to help.

Further information and contact details

Researcher: Anna Firth (anna.firth@nottingham.ac.uk)