About the Study:
Positive Plus One is a national study of people in relationships where one person has HIV, and the other does not. We are interested in talking to one or both people in these relationships, from all different backgrounds (all genders, ethnicities, sexual identities, etc.) across Canada. Positive Plus One asks about their relationship quality, their supports and counseling, as well as how they deal with the risk of HIV transmission in their relationship.
Recruitment is still open and likely will remain so until at least the end of the summer.
Why should I take part?
The Positive Plus One team is formed of researchers, physicians, and other service providers, so our findings can make an impact on HIV programs in Canada. Whether HIV-positive or HIV-negative, we are dedicated to ensuring that the programs and services available to people in these relationships fits their needs and their experiences. Therefore, we are doing this study to find out more about what those needs and experiences are.
What does the study involve?
The study has two parts, and for each part, a participant will receive a token of our appreciation:
- A survey, that you can take online or over the telephone. If you take the survey, we will mail you a $20 gift card from your choice of: Tim Horton’s, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Subway, or President’s Choice Ltd. stores (e.g. Loblaw’s, No Frills, etc.).
- A conversational interview, that you can take over the telephone, where we can talk more about your relationship over time. If you participate in the conversational interview, you will receive a second gift card, worth $40.
Not everyone who volunteers for the conversational interview will be interviewed, since these are longer conversations that will go much more in-depth than the survey.
What if I am not currently with a partner who has a different HIV-status than mine?
If someone is not currently in a relationship where one person has HIV, and the other does not, then they can still take the survey if they were in this kind of relationship, within the last two years.
Does my partner have to participate?
If they are currently in this kind of relationship, but only one of the two people wants to take the survey, then that person can still participate.
Do I need to read or write in English?
The survey is available in English and French. For people who feel they need assistance to complete it in one of those languages, it is best that they call the study phone-line 1-888-740-1166. If they call in, they can do the survey over the telephone, with an interviewer to help.
How do I get started?
If you want more information before you get started, a “Frequently Asked Questions” document, and a link to the survey can be found at www.PositivePlusOne.ca. This study has received ethics approval from the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board (REB). If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Project Manager, Sandra Bullock, directly at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-416-978-1224 or 1-888-740-1166.
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