Examining the Nutrition and Health Status of Binghamton Students and Broome County Residents

Study Title: Examining the Nutrition and Health Status of Binghamton Students and Broome County Residents Researchers: Anna Vishnevetsky, Kaitlyn Zerrenner, Ryan Horowitz, Vidhu Kumar, Josephine Janas, Carolyn Ko, Danica Lyktey, Kayla Rogan, and Shane McCarty, PhD., Binghamton University

Researcher Contact Info: smccarty1@binghamton.edu

You are being invited to take part in a research study conducted by the researchers named above. Below is detailed information for you to consider when determining whether or not to participate. Carefully consider all of this information and ask any questions you may have about it before deciding whether to participate or not.

Voluntary Consent: You are being asked to volunteer for a research study. It is your choice whether to participate or not. There will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled if you choose not to participate or to discontinue participation.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to gather information on the students’ beliefs about campus foods. You are being invited to participate because you are at least 18 years old and a Binghamton University student. It is expected that approximately 115 individuals will be participating in this research.

Procedures and Activities: You will complete a survey, “Knowledge & Perception Survey”, on your beliefs and knowledge about nutrition. This survey will include questions on: perceptions of foods, objective health outcomes in relation to ultra-processed foods, nutrition and food processing knowledge, and foodborne illness. You may choose “Prefer Not to Say” or skip any question. Also, you can discontinue the survey at any time. There is no cost or compensation for participation.

Duration: Your time commitment will be approximately <15 minutes for the questionnaire.

Risks: Some of the foreseeable risks are discomfort that can be caused by participation sourced from questions about food intake and health outcomes. Minimal risk of breach of confidentiality

Benefits: The study provides no personal benefits to you for participation, but you will be providing important information regarding health and safety perceptions on Binghamton’s campus, potentially leading to changes in the future.

Alternatives: Participation is voluntary, and the only alternative is not to participate.

We will take measures to protect your privacy including collecting data anonymously. No personal information will be collected such as name, address, or computer IP address. We will take measures to protect the security of all your personal information including keeping all data on password-protected computer drives. These are reserved for research purposes only.

Qualtrics is a Binghamton University-approved survey platform and we anticipate that your participation in this survey presents no greater risk than everyday use of the Internet.

Please note that email communication is neither private nor secure. Though we are taking precautions to protect your privacy, you should be aware that information sent through email could be read by a third party.

Despite these precautions, we can never fully guarantee your privacy or the confidentiality of all study information. Individuals and organizations that conduct or monitor this research may be permitted access to inspect the research records, including accessing your private information. These individuals and organizations include: approved study team members, and the Binghamton University Institutional Review Board (IRB).

What if I want to stop participating in this research? Taking part in this research study is your decision. Your participation is voluntary. You do not have to take part in this study, but if you do, you can choose not to participate in any study activity or to completely withdraw at any point without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with the researcher(s) or Binghamton University.

Who can answer my questions about this research? If you have questions, concerns, or have experienced a research-related injury, contact the lead researcher: Shane McCarty, PhD via phone at (607) 777- 5523 or email at smccarty1@binghamton.edu.

Binghamton University’s IRB is overseeing this research. The IRB is a group of people who perform independent reviews of research studies to ensure the rights and welfare of participants are protected. If you have questions about your rights or wish to speak with someone other than the research team, you may contact:
The Binghamton University IRB, hsrrc@binghamton.edu, (607) 777 - 3818

Want to participate?

Please access the informed consent form and questionnaire by visiting this link https://binghamton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kYhweab0FSH1VY

Please remember that your participation is voluntary and that you may withdraw your participation at any time without penalty. There is no compensation for participation. Thank you for your time!

Contact Information

Do you have any questions? Contact us! Principal Investigator: Shane McCarty, Ph.D. Email: smccarty1@binghamton.edu