You are invited to participate in a study of the sleep health behaviours of farmers and farm workers. We hope to learn about the risk of undiagnosed sleep apnoea in farmers, how farmers and farm workers prioritise their sleep health, and the barriers and constraints for farmers who wish to seek help for their sleep issues. 

Being part of this study is voluntary. If you want to be part of the study, we ask that you read the information below carefully. You can read the information below and decide at the end if you do not want to participate. If you decide not to participate this won’t affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other listed organisation. 

Who is being asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because:

What will I be asked to do?
If you want to take part in this study, we will ask you to complete an online questionnaire. It will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time to be part of this study. The study is anonymous. 

What are the benefits?
The benefit of you taking part in this study is that you will be adding to a body of research related to health of farmers. The expected benefits to society in general are a better understanding of how sleep may affect farmers’ health, and how farmers are able to cope with, and access help for, sleep issues.

What are the risks?
We do not foresee any risks associated with this study; however, some questions may trigger an emotional reaction or raise concerns about your health. If you do not wish to answer a question you don’t have to. With any study there are (1) risks we know about, (2) risks we don’t know about, and (3) risks we don’t expect. If you experience something that you aren’t sure about, please contact us immediately so we can discuss the best way to manage your concerns. If completing this survey causes any distress please contact the following: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14. If the questions have raised any concerns about your health, please consult your general practitioner.

What will happen to information about me?
By clicking on the ‘I agree, start questionnaire’ button, this tells us you want to take part in the study.

We will collect information about you in ways that will not reveal who you are. We will store information about you in ways that will not reveal who you are. We will publish information about you in ways that will not be identified in any type of publication from this study. We will keep your information for 7 years after the project is completed. After this time, we will destroy all your data. The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy at La Trobe University. The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Subject to any exceptions in relevant laws, you have the right to access and correct your personal information by contacting the research team.
Will I hear about the results of the study?
We will let you know about the results of the study if requested. A copy of the research outputs can be sent to you by email by the research team. If you would like a copy of the results please email J.Tucci@latrobe.edu.au.
What if I change my mind?
If you no longer want to complete the questionnaire, simply close the web browser. If you change your mind after clicking on the ‘Submit’ button, we cannot withdraw your responses because we cannot link who you are with your questionnaire responses. Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed. 
Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact details below:
Dr Joseph Tucci
Professor in Clinical Pharmacy
La Trobe University
03 5444 7897
j.tucci@latrobe.edu.au

What if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact:
Senior Research Ethics Officer (Ethics Reference Number: HEC23516) 03 9479 1443 humanethics@latrobe.edu.au
 

Consent Form – Declaration that I (the participant) have read and understood the Participant Information Statement, and any questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate in the study. I know I can withdraw at any time until [four weeks] following the collection of my data. I agree information provided by me or with my permission during the project may be included in a thesis, presentation and published in journals on the condition that I cannot be identified.