The High and Lows:

A citizen science project exploring the influence of higher density living on the health and wellbeing of residents in the Northern Sydney region.

Participant Information:

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Thank you for your interest in our research project. We are inviting you to participate in a citizen science study conducted by Northern Sydney Local Health District, a part of NSW Health, in partnership with Macquarie University and the University of Sydney.

Before deciding whether to participate, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of the study is to better understand the lived experience of people like yourself residing in medium and high-density communities across the Northern Sydney region. Medium and high-density dwellings include semi-detached, row and terrace housing, townhouses and villa units, as well as flats and apartments. Put simply, we want to know what you love about living where you do, as well as those things you think could be improved.

What will this study involve?

This study will be conducted over a two-week period for each study site location. As you go about your daily life, we are asking you to text us images with brief descriptions of any features in and around your home that positively and negatively influence your health and wellbeing. There is no limit to the number of texts you can send through, so the more content you provide the better.

Please ensure that your images and texts do not identify any individuals or addresses, so that everyone remains anonymous. Please also ensure that images and texts do not contain illegal or restricted content, otherwise they will be deleted from the study and referred to the eSafety Commissioner in accordance with the eSafety Commissioner’s protocol.

What are some examples of the features you want to know about?

Examples may include elements of the actual dwelling or building you live in, your access to facilities such as public transport, playgrounds, open space and daily living needs, the look and feel of your neighbourhood, as well as those things that make you feel part of the community. However, we really want to find out what is important to you so this is just a guide to get you thinking.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Why have I been invited to participate in this study?

You have been invited to participate in this study as you have been identified as living in a medium or high-density building within one of our nominated study sites across the Northern Sydney region.

How do I sign up to participate?

Simply text ‘Yes’ to the mobile phone number included in the letter or SMS you may have received inviting you to participate in the study and follow the prompts to get started. By replying ‘Yes’ you are consenting to your involvement in the research. Please note: You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

If you have not yet received a letter or an SMS and wish to participate, please contact us at NSLHD-HBE@health.nsw.gov.au so we can determine your eligibility.

What if I don’t want to take part in this study or if I want to withdraw later?

Involvement in this study is completely voluntary and it is up to you whether you participate. By not responding you are effectively ‘opting-out’ of taking part in the study.

If you initially decide to participate and wish to withdraw from the study once it has started, you can do so at any time by emailing us at NSLHD-HBE@health.nsw.gov.au without having to provide a reason. If you choose to withdraw from the study any personal identifying information will be deleted from our database. However, it may not be possible to return or delete the (non-personal) data you provide from the study results, as these will have your identifying details removed.

Will taking part in this study cost me anything and will I be paid?

You will not be paid for your involvement in this study, nor will the researchers charge a fee for participating. You will be responsible for any charges incurred from your mobile phone plan supplier for sending SMS/MMS messages (and any associated data usage). Costs may vary depending on your mobile phone plan.

To show our appreciation for participating in this study, all residents who contribute content will be invited to enter a prize draw to win one of fifteen $200 gift cards. The prize draw will be undertaken at the completion of the study period and the winners announced on this site.

Will I benefit from the study?

This study aims to generate a stronger understanding of medium and high-density living, so that future planning of these dwelling types and their surrounding communities can result in healthier places to live. The findings of this study will also be shared with your local council, who may incorporate them into any future plans for your own neighbourhood.

How will my confidentiality be protected?

Any identifiable information that is collected about you in connection with this study will be kept confidential. Phone numbers will also be kept strictly confidential, as researchers will assign a unique identifying code to the phone number submitting the content. Only the unique identifying numbers will be used for data analysis to ensure that texts being shared by the citizen scientist are not connected to any potentially identifying information. Your texts will be combined and analysed together with those provided by other participants.

The content you send through will be stored separately from any of your personal details. All datasets will be held securely within Northern Sydney Local Health District, with access limited to the research team.

What will happen with the results?

We plan to share our initial findings with all participants and provide the opportunity to comment on our interpretation of results. A final report will then be drafted and used to generate resources to support our local councils engage with their communities and create healthier higher density neighbourhoods.

Northern Sydney Local Health District and/or Macquarie University may publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, or through presentations at conferences and other professional forums. In any publication, information will be provided in such a way that you will not be identifiable. The final report from the study will be made available on the NSLHD Population Health Promotion website.

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?

If you would like further information about this study, please do not hesitate to contact the research team at this email address: NSLHD-HBE@health.nsw.gov.au

Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?

This study has been approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District HREC. Any person with concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study should contact the Research Office, which is nominated to receive complaints from research participants. You should contact it at NSLHD-Research@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REGIS reference number 2023/ETH122177.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A citizen science project exploring the influence of higher density living on the health and wellbeing of residents in the Northern Sydney region.