Introduction

‘You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to take part it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.’1. What is the purpose of the study?It is hard to change attitudes towards food, health and related behaviours. How people respond to public health messages depends on their attitudes and beliefs about the importance of food and its links to health now and in the future. The aim of this study is to explore how these attitudes could be used to profile consumers and thus target more effective health promotion messages linking food and diet with health.2. Why have I been chosen?You have been randomly chosen; you are living in the UK, aged 18 and over and speak / read English fluently.3. Do I have to take part?It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part, you will be given this information sheet to keep. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. If you are a student of the University of Glasgow or any other institution a decision not to participate will not affect your grades in any way.4. What will happen to me if I take part?A researcher will explain the study, and if you agree to take part, you will fill a questionnaire.5. What do I have to do?You will fill the questionnaire either online or on paper. This takes approximately twenty minutes. You will also have the opportunity to provide us with a contact number should you be willing to take part in a phone interview on the same subject in the future.6. What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?There are no disadvantages or risks to taking part in this study. The main inconvenience is loss of time.7. What are the possible benefits of taking part?You will receive no direct benefit from taking part in this study other than the opportunity to participate in a free prize draw to win a £100 voucher. There are three £100 prizes and a draw will be conducted after every 500 completed questionnaires.8. Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?All information which is collected about you, and the responses you provide, during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential. You will be identified by an ID number and any information about you will have your name and address removed so that you cannot be recognised from it. Please note that assurances on confidentiality will be strictly adhered to unless evidence of serious harm, or risk of serious harm, is uncovered. In such cases the University may be obliged to contact relevant statutory bodies/agencies.9. What will happen to the results of the research study?Results will be presented at meetings and published in scientific journals. Results will also be included in student project reports, when applicable.10. Who is organising and funding the research?This study is organised by the Human Nutrition Section of the University of Glasgow.11. Who has reviewed the study?This project has been reviewed by the ethics committee of the University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.12. Contact for Further InformationIf you require further information please contact Dr Emilie Combet by telephone at 0141 201 8527 or via email at emilie.combetaspray@glasgow.ac.uk