There are two studies: a questionnaire study and an interview study. You may consider participating in one or both studies.
 
Questionnaire Study: This study consists of an online questionnaire that takes about 20 minutes to complete and involves reading stories depicting common challenges faced by adolescents with chronic pain and responding to questions about how you would cope in these situations. You will also be asked to respond to demographic questions and questions about your pain condition.

Responses are anonymous and you can withdraw from the survey at any point. If you have any questions, email Natisha at anabbijo@uoguelph.ca
 
To participate, click the following link: 
 
*This study has received ethical approval from University of Guelph Research Ethics Board: 23-00-010
**Supervised by Dr. Meghan McMurtry
 
Interview Study: The study takes about 60-75 minutes to complete and involves participating in an online questionnaire and interview via Zoom. The online questionnaire will involve demographic questions and questions about your pain condition. The interview will involve questions about your understanding of the word “coping”, experiences coping with chronic pain, and perspectives on how sociocultural factors (e.g., gender, culture, socioeconomic status) influence coping and should be considered by healthcare providers.

To learn more or sign up, please contact Natisha at anabbijo@uoguelph.ca
 
*This study has received ethical approval from University of Guelph Research Ethics Board: 21-01-009
**Supervised by Dr. Meghan McMurtry

Lead Investigators: Natisha Nabbijohn (PhD Student) and Dr. C. Meghan McMurtry (PhD; Supervisor)

What is this research study about? We want to understand how teens cope when faced with challenges related to their chronic pain. This includes understanding the types of coping strategies teens use and their reasons for choosing certain strategies. We also hope to understand how teens’ coping goals and strategies are shaped by characteristics that make teens who they are (e.g., gender, culture, religion, etc.) and the situation they are in.

Who can participate in this study? You must be between 14-18 years of age and living with chronic pain for at least 3 months. All participants must be able to read and write in English and be living in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia.

What do I have to do? If you would like to participate, you can use a link or QR code to access the survey online. You will first be asked to complete a screening questionnaire to determine whether you can take part (are eligible). If you are eligible, you will be asked to review a consent form which will provide you with more information. You may then choose to participate if you wish. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a two-part questionnaire. The first part will include questions about your age, sex, gender, ethnicity,
and perceived socioeconomic status, as well as about your pain condition (i.e., pain location, duration, intensity, family history of chronic pain, treatment history). The second part will involve reading four brief stories describing potential challenges faced by teens with chronic pain. After imagining yourself faced with each situation, you will then be asked to respond to questions that will assess your beliefs about your ability to cope in that situation, your coping goals, and your preferred coping strategies.

Why should I participate? Sharing your ways of coping may help us better to understand and support other teens like you to cope with their chronic pain! The more healthcare professionals can be aware of what goals and factors influence teens’ coping choices, the better they can individualize recommendations to meet different preferences, needs, and circumstances. For completing the questionnaire (both parts), you will have the option to enter a prize draw for a 1 in 50 chance of winning a $100 Amazon gift card!

Do I have to participate? Participation is completely up to you (voluntary), and you may withdraw at any time you wish. Your decision to participate will not impact any of the care you receive at your pediatric pain clinic.

I’m interested! What’s next? If you have any questions, email Natisha (anabbijo@uoguelph.ca) or Dr. McMurtry (cmcmurtr@uoguelph.ca). Please use the following link or QR code to access the online questionnaire: