What do I get out of being involved in the study?

You get a free health examination that will help you to know more about your current health. This information can also be passed on to your doctor if you wish. The community benefits because health services can be better provided to meet the needs of people.

How did you get my phone number and name?

We randomly select people from the telephone book. All we know is the name, address and telephone number. This way we get a random sample of males and females, young and old, migrants and Australian born, of all levels of health. The study will describe the whole community and so we need representatives of all these groups. We don't know your details before we call you but we get a good selection when we take a large sample this way. Everyone is important to the study.

Who will see my personal information?

Your personal information, including the test results, will be kept confidential. You will be given a copy of your results and information sheets that will tell you what information will be collected and why. No details that will identify you will be made public. The overall results of the study will be grouped together and presented as a summary of the health of people in the north and west of Adelaide.

Do I get the results from my clinic appointment?

Yes, every participant is sent the results of their clinic tests a few weeks after their appointment.  With your consent, we also forward a copy of these results to your general practitioner.  We encourage all participants to discuss their results with their doctor. 

I don't have any health problems so I won't be much use to the study.

Many people in the community have very good health. They rarely see a doctor or go to hospital. The health system doesn't see these people or know enough about why they are healthy. By studying healthy people as well as those who are not, we can understand the differences between them. Then we can help all people to improve their health.

I work most of the time.  Can I come to the clinic before or after work, or on a weekend?

Clinic times have been designed to suit the needs of participants. Please mention your requirements when the interviewer calls and we will find a clinic time that suits you. We realise that many people are very busy but they are no less important to the study. Your involvement can still make a significant contribution to community health.

I'm on medication for a condition. Do I still take my medicine before I come to the clinic?

If you feel uncomfortable with missing your medication, then please take it as usual. We would prefer that you did not take it so that the blood test is accurate, but don't take a risk by not taking medication if you are concerned about the consequences.

I already see the doctor a lot because I don't have good health. Why will seeing you help?

There are many people who need health attention. The random sample will let us know how many people in the community are in need of attention, and how we can change health practices to manage their illnesses. Your participation will have a benefit to the community as well as giving you more information about your health. The examination at the clinic will give you information on numerous aspects of your general health, not just the conditions you are having treated.

What is involved with the clinic tests? Will I have to take my clothes off?

The clinic tests are not very invasive. The most you will have to do is roll up one sleeve to give blood. The tests are listed on the test page.

Do I have to give blood? I hate needles.

The tests are voluntary. Giving blood will help us with the study, but if you don't want to then we will respect your wishes. There are many advantages of having the blood test. The blood test gives more accurate and complete information on your health than most other health tests. If you want to know more about your health, we would recommend that you have the blood test.