05/03/2022
By Jill Portnoy

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell are conducting research on nutrition in young adults. Participation in this research will involve completing an interview about your living situation, mental health and behavior, and diet. You will also have blood drawn. Participation will involve two remote sessions over the phone or video conference and a follow-up in-person visit. To be eligible to participate, you must:

  • Be 18-20 years of age at the time of the first session
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Not have a history of fainting during blood draws or around needles or injections
  • Must reside in the greater Lowell area (including Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford) at the time of the first study session
  • Not have a diagnosed pervasive developmental disorder or intellectual disability
  • Must weigh at least 110 pounds

In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card after completing the first two remote study sessions. You will also receive $50 in cash after completing the in-person visit and an additional $15 in cash to cover transportation costs ($65 total). Your decision whether or not to participate in this research is completely voluntary.

Participation in the first virtual study session will last about 2 hours. The second virtual session will last about 20 minutes. The on-campus visit will last about 30 minutes and will take place on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.
Participating in this study will require you to provide a 20 mL blood sample (approximately 4 teaspoons) during the in-person visit. Blood draws will be performed by a trained phlebotomist. Having blood drawn is mandatory to participation.

This research is being conducted by Jill Portnoy, Ph.D., School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell.

If you are interested, you should call us at 978-934-4135 or email healthyfamilies@uml.edu. You can also provide your contact information by completing this survey and one of our researchers will be in touch with you.

IRB #19-089-POR-XPD
Approved on: 4/7/2022