Introduction
You are being asked to participate in a research study at OhioGuidestone's Institute of Family & Community Impact called "Fathers Feelings Follow-up Interview Study." The word "you" in this document refers to a parent/guardian.
You are being asked to participate in this study because you participated in the Fathers Feelings Study between 2018-2022. Your participation in this study is voluntary and is not required to receive services from OhioGuidestone, now or in the future. Your current services will not be affected if you do or do not choose to particpate. Please read the information below and ask questions to better understand this research study.
Purpose and Procedures
This interview is a follow-up step in the Fathers Feelings Study. We want to ask fathers directly about their experiences during the study, as well as ask their opinions about our paternal depression screening tool, co-parenting experiences, their health and wellness, and suggestions to keep intentionally involving fathers in our and other fatherhood initiatives.
You and a study team member will have an hour (60-minute) interview using questions to guide a casual conversation. This will be a one-time interview that will be done in-person or on the computer using video conferencing.
Before your interview, the study team will review this document as well as other study documents (an enrollment form) and steps. You will be given a chance to answer any questions.
When your interview begins your study team member will introduce themselves before starting the session. Your interview will be recorded, but the video or audio will only be used to type up the interview conversation.
After your interview, the study team will send you a copy of your conversation in a 2-4 weeks. The conversation will have names and other personally identifying information removed for privacy reasons. We are giving you a copy of the interview conversation because you deserve to keep a copy of your own words –and- if you would like to make any additions.
Potential Risks
There are minor risks you may experience, such as thoughts or feelings that are upsetting to you. The study team are trained mental health specialists, so if this happens, they will support you and help you deal with these thoughts or feelings during your study appointment. The study team will also provide the name and contact information for local mental health services, programs or providers. The study team will also help you connect with local resources for you, your child or family, or other needs you might have related to conversation topics that come up during your interview.
Anticipated Benefits
You may or may not benefit from this study. Possible benefits may include:
- Having a chance to share about your own feelings and thoughts
- Opportunity to be informed about more mental health supportive services
- Information and conversations specifically for fathers
- Better relationship between you and your baby
- Better relationship between you and your baby's mother (or other co-parent)
- Free, short clinical interventions
- $25 gift card after participating in the study appointments
- Information learned from this research study may also benefit other men, fathers, children and families
You will receive one $25.00 gift card for you and your family as a thank you gift for participating in one interview.
Confidentiality
Your information will be kept confidential and only used for this research study. Only people working on this research study will have access to your study information. We will collect your demographic information, but a unique number and a made-up name or word will be used instead of your name or other identifying information during the interview and on study documents. Your name or anything else that could identify you will not be included in reports, presentations or publications from this study. Also, the audio and video from your interview will be deleted after the interview conversation has been typed up. Your information will be kept in a locked file cabinet in a locked room, and computer files will only be opened on password protected computers. All documentation with identifying information will be destroyed once the study has ended.
Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you choose not to participate, it will not affect your relationship with OhioGuidestone. You will still have the right to services that you are eligible for at OhioGuidestone. You will not be treated differently if you decide not to participate.
If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and stop at any time. You will not be treated any differently if you decide to withdraw from the study. If you withdraw from the study, you will still continue to receive mental health services at OhioGuidestone.
If you do participate in this study, your access to current and future services and client rights will not be changed or different. There is no cost to participate in this research study.
Contacts and Questions
If you have any questions about this study, you can contact the study team at:
research@ohioguidestone.org or 440.260.8865.
If you have any questions about OhioGuidestone’s services, including client rights, you can contact the agency’s Client Advocate at 440.260.8308.
You may also ask your program staff any questions that you have now, or during any part of the research study.
Signature of Research Subject or Parent/Guardian
Informed consent to participate in research is very important. By signing or clicking below you agree:
- That you have read the information about this research study;
- You have been given the chance to answer questions and they have been answered;
- You volunteer to participate in the study and understand that you can withdraw from the study at any time.
A copy of this consent form will be provided to you.