Introduction to the COVID-19 Community Survey
The UC Davis COVID-19 Community Survey research team thanks you for your interest in our study. Scientists from the University of California Davis are conducting this survey to learn about the impacts of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak that began early in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented impacts on the lives of people all over the world. We would like to understand more about how the Coronavirus and the related shelter-in-place (lockdown) measures have had on you and your family. Collecting this information will be critical for understanding current anxieties, needs, and challenges as well as allow us to determine factors that might influence susceptibility to this virus, potentially to other viruses, and later health outcomes. We also plan to evaluate changes over time.
In the future, we hope to be able to collect biological specimens that can later be tested for antibodies to the COVID-19 virus that combined with responses to this survey, will help to determine factors that relate to COVID-19 status, the full range of symptoms, and the prevalence in our local community.
We know very little about effects of pandemics of this scale. But we do know it’s important for communities to find out so they can come up with better ways to be better prepared for and to respond to future pandemics or health problems that might arise.
If you were directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, please complete this survey for yourself and other members of your household.
- The survey takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
- The survey asks about the impact of COVID-19 on you and other family members. It is okay to ask other household members to help answer questions.
- We ask that you complete the survey within two weeks.
- Your responses will be saved as long as you use the same computer, the same browser, and you don’t clear your cache or cookies.
- You can contact us at hs-COVID19@ucdavis.edu if you have problems or questions while taking the survey.
What should I know about taking this survey?
- Whether or not you take the survey is up to you.
- You are under no obligation and can chose not to take this survey.
- You can start the survey and then change your mind before you finish the survey.
- Whatever you decide it will not be held against you.
- You can ask all the questions you want before you decide (and after).
Who can I talk to?
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints, the Principal Investigator, Rebecca J Schmidt can be reached via email at rjschmidt@ucdavis.edu or phone at 530-752-3226.
This survey has been reviewed and approved by the UC Davis Institutional Review Board (IRB). Information to help you understand research is on-line at http://www.research.ucdavis.edu/policiescompliance/irb-admin/. You may talk to an IRB staff member at (916) 703-9151, hs-irbadmin@ucdavis.edu, or 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1400, Room 1429, Sacramento, CA 95817 for any of the following:
- Your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the research team.
- You cannot reach the research team.
- You want to talk to someone besides the research team.
- You have questions about your rights as a research subject.
- You want to get information or provide input about this research.
What happens if I say yes, I want to take the survey?
You will be asked to complete the questions in the online survey to the best of your ability. All responses will be kept private. If you wish to be contacted for future studies, or to receive the findings of this survey, you may provide contact information at the end of the survey.
What happens if I do not want to take the survey?
Nothing. There are no consequences to not taking the survey.
What happens to the information collected for the research?
The information will be stored at the University of California, Davis, on secure computers, coded as numbers. Only those authorized to see the data will have access, such as research staff and university officials who ensure research integrity and the protection of study participants. Any identifying information you provided (names, addresses) will remain protected at the university. Other data you provided, which do not contain identifying information, will be shared with county health departments. The data will be analyzed statistically to 1) understand the experiences of individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, 2) learn about how the Coronavirus affected people's health, and 3) assist the county health departments and others in meeting needs of people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and in planning for future pandemics or other disaster-related events. Summaries of the data will be written and published in reports and health-related scientific journals. but no individual will be identified in any reports or publications.
Efforts will be made to limit use or disclosure of your personal information, including all research study records, to people who have a need to review this information. We cannot promise complete confidentiality. Organizations that may inspect and copy your information include the IRB (Institutional Review Board), which is responsible to see that study participants are treated with respect and fairness, and other University of California representatives responsible for the management or oversight of this study.
Are there other research opportunities?
Yes. We expect to conduct future research on those affected by COVID-19. If you are interested in participating in future research, please provide your contact information in the space provided in the survey.
This research has received a Certificate of Confidentiality from the Federal government that will help protect the privacy of the research records. The Certificate of Confidentiality allows the Researchers to refuse to disclose identifying information on your participation in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding, whether at the federal, state, or local level.
A Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself and your involvement in this research. If you have given your consent for an insurer or employer to obtain information about you, the Researcher may not use the Certificate of Confidentiality to withhold this information. A Certificate of Confidentiality also does not prevent a Researcher from disclosing information about you to prevent serious harm to yourself or others, such as reporting to the authorities' incidents of child abuse, elder abuse or spousal abuse.
Permission to Take Part in a Human Research Study
Title of Survey: UC Davis COVID-19 Community Survey
Principal Investigator: Rebecca J. Schmidt, Ph.D.
You are now being asked to complete this questionnaire regarding the impacts the Coronavirus has had on you and your family. Please confirm your consent and age by answering the questions below before you start the survey. Thank you for all of your help!