Exploring older adults’ perception of risk, behavioural response, and quality of life in the summer heat
Participant Information Sheet
What is the purpose of this project?
Performing tasks in a hot environment can increase stress on the human body and may increase the risk of heat-related illness. The purpose of this project is to understand more about the perceived risks of heat stress, particularly in an ageing population. Furthermore, we aim to better understand the impact of hot conditions on quality of life and what strategies, if any, are implemented to cope with the heat.
Why have I been selected?
This research is aimed at people aged 50 and over, therefore, anyone who meets this criterion is eligible to take part in this research. Anyone aged 50 or over, who is fluent in the English language and currently resides in the UK is eligible to answer.
What will I have to do?
We kindly ask that you complete a short questionnaire. This questionnaire includes a consent form, a demographics section, some short-scale questions, and questions where you will be required to respond on a 5-point Likert scale [1 – “Strongly disagree” to 5 “Strongly agree”]. The questionnaire will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes to fill out.
Do I have to take part?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary, so it is completely up to you whether you wish to take part. If you decide you would like to take part, you will be asked to confirm that you are happy to participate after reviewing the study requirements and consent form before you are able to continue with the online questionnaire.
What happens if I want to withdraw from the research?
Participation is voluntary. If at any time before, during, or after you have completed the questionnaire you decide that you no longer wish to participate, you are free to withdraw your participation up until data analysis is complete. If you do decide to withdraw, you may do so without providing a reason and this will not have any adverse consequences for you. Moreover, in such instances please inform Edward Cole (lead researcher) via email with details of your unique response number that will be shown on the completion receipt following the end of the questionnaire in JISC. These details can be found below.
Will my responses and information be kept confidential?
All answers will be kept private and remain confidential. In any report that is published or any presentation, no information will be revealed that could identify you. All responses will be coded anonymously and securely stored, and any information inputted on the computer for data analysis will be encrypted with a password. Only the researcher and supervisor will have access to this information.
Who can I contact for further information about the study?
Please feel free to contact myself or my supervisors if you have any further questions about the study:
Edward Cole: EDWARD.COLE-2020@hull.ac.uk
Dr Kate Donnan: K.J.Donnan@hull.ac.uk
Dr Andrew Garrett: A.Garrett@hull.ac.uk
