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 VISA gift cards:
- Research study participants will be sent a link via SMS to enter the prize draw at the end of the study period.
- Prizes are limited to New South Wales resident and employees from Northern Sydney Local Health District, Macquarie University and The University of Sydney are ineligible to enter.
- All entrants must be over 18 years of age, and no person may enter the prize draw more than once.
- Entries close on Tuesday 19th December 2023 and prizes will be randomly drawn by The Highs and Lows organisers on Wednesday 20th December 2023.
- Winners will be notified on Wednesday 20th December 2023 via the phone number and email provided.
- If a prize is unclaimed for one month, the prize will be redrawn on Wednesday 24th January 2024.
Congratulations to the following lucky winners of The Highs and Lows prize draw:
Patrick
| Milson's Point
|
Jebby
| Turramurra |
Somayeh
| Mount Colah
|
Sarah
| Turramurra
|
Jordina
| Mount Colah
|
Leticia
| Gladesville
|
Asif
| Macquarie Park
|
SJ
| Macquarie Park
|
Angel
| Macquarie Park
|
Mark
| Macquarie Park
|
Casey
| Dee Why
|
Heslin
| Chatswood
|
Yvonne
| Macquarie Park
|
Donald
| Manly
|
Audrie
| Chatswood
|
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/ETH01307.
