PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Illicit prescription drug use is on the rise among U.S. college students. I hope to understand more fully what internal and external factors are associated with use in ways that can enhance college/university prevention efforts.

PROCEDURES

If you decide to participate you will need to confirm that you are at least 18 years of age as a part of the consent process. After agreeing to participate you will be asked to complete a confidential online survey including items about your background (i.e. age, gender, socioeconomic status, illicit use of prescription medication), well being and school characteristics. Participation in this research will take approximately 30 minutes. Participation qualifies you for a prize drawing (Linfield students qualify for a cash drawing, participants from all other institutions qualify for a chance a Kindle. Two winners will be selected and each will receive a Kindle). In addition, some professors may offer course credit or extra credit opportunities in their classes for participating in the research. Please note: It is your responsibility to print the last page of this survey to document your research participation and turn it into a professor for credit.

POTENTIAL RISKS/BENEFITS

When filling out the survey it is possible that the subject matter concerning illicit prescription drug use, stress and negative feelings could make you feel uncomfortable or anxious. If this should arise you do have the right to skip a question and information regarding resources that can help address your concerns or discomfort, specifically local and national level mental health clinics and support centers, are available on the debriefing page at the end of the survey. However there are benefits in participating in this study. Namely, your participation is contributing to the cultivation of further knowledge about this topic and could inform prevention efforts at your institution.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Any information that is gathered in this study will be kept confidential. The online survey is anonymous , and records absolutely no unique information about your identity. No reports of the project will identify you or your institution. All data will kept in a secure account. Consequently, to enter into the drawing if you are not a Linfield student will need to send a letter or email to me with your name and phone number but this will not be linked to your data. Please refer to the debrief page for further information on how to enter.

PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL

Participating in this study is completely voluntary. By participating you are permitted to withdraw at any time without any consequences. Skipping questions that make you uncomfortable is also allowable without penalty. The investigator may choose to withdraw you from the study if some circumstances arise which warrant doing so.

IDENTIFICATION OF INVESTIGATOR

If you have any questions of concerns about this research, feel free to contact Robyn Dolson, chief investigator on this project at rdolson@linfield.edu or the project advisor Dr. Tompkins at 503-883-2684 or email tatompki@linfield.edu.

RIGHTS OF RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Human Subject Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Linfield College. You may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue participation without penalty. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant or any further questions, comments, or concerns about this research please contact Dr. Kay Livesay, Chair of the Linfield College Committee on Human Research Participation at 503-883-2708.