National Working Positive Coalition (NWPC) 2008 Vocational Training and Employment Survey
Informed Consent Form - Penn State University

What is the study about? The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the education, training, employment and health needs of people living with HIV. The results will be used to improve access to opportunities for people with HIV.

What will I be asked to do? You will be asked to complete an online survey.

Are there any risks to me? There are no known risks in taking this survey.

What are the benefits? You can share your ideas on what is needed to improve opportunities for people with HIV. Your input will help others with HIV. You will also get information on employment resources.

How much time will it take? The time to complete the survey can vary and takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Who do I ask if I have questions about the study? Please contact Dr. Liza Conyers, Ph.D. at 302 CEDAR Building, Penn State University, University PArk, PA 16802, (814) 863-6115 or lmc11@psu.edu with questions, complaints or concerns about the research. You may also call this number if you feel you have been harmed by this study. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact the Office for Research Protections at (814) 865-1775.

Will my information be kept private and confidential? The survey will not collect any information that can identify you. Your responses will be stored in a secure encrypted database. Your confidentiality will be kept to the degree permitted by the technology being used. No guarantees can made regarding the interception of data sent via the Internet by any third parties. This survey uses secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption, which is the technology used for online banking sites or sites that transmit secured information. Only researchers approved for this project will have access to the data. Penn State’s Office for Research Protections, the Social Science Institutional Review Board and the Office for Human Research Protections in the Department of Health and Human Services may review records related to this research study. In the event of a publication or presentation resulting from the research, no personally identifiable information will be available.

Can I change my mind if I decide that I no longer want to participate?Taking the survey is voluntary. You do not have to answer every question and you can stop at any time. Refusal to take part in or withdrawing from this study will not affect your access to services.

Is there anything else I should know? You must be 18 years of age or older and have HIV or AIDS to participate in this study. Please print off this form for your records. If you have read and understood the above statements, please click on the "Continue" button below to indicate your consent to participate in this study.

This research project (IRB#24814-Doc. #5) was reviewed and approved by the Social Science Institutional Review Board at The Pennsylvania State University on 01/29/2009; it will expire on 01/20/2010 (JKG).