Do I have to have (really have) an e-mail address?
Yes. E-mail communication is an integral part of the study. If you don't already have one, you will be required to create one and use one on a regular basis.
Do I need to have a computer and Internet access?
Yes. In order to participate in the study, participants need to own some sort of computing device that allows them reliable access to the Internet.
Do I have to have a cellphone or smartphone?
To participate in the study you will be required to have a phone for communication throughout the study. This phone can be a cellphone, a smartphone or a landline phone.
Are there costs involved in participating?
No, there is no cost to join the study.
Do I have to come to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)?
Yes, you will be required to come to our study center at UNMC in Omaha for 3 visits (at 1, 4, and 12 months).
Can someone else in my household participate?
While you may share the information and materials you receive from the study with other members of your household, at this time we are able to only enroll one member per household.
Will I get paid to participate?
We do not pay people to participate in our studies. Participants will receive a $25.00 gift card for the completion of each assessment.
How long do I have to stay in the study?
The study lasts about 12 months from first visit to last visit.
Can I choose which program I get?
No. Participants will be randomly assigned (like a flip of a coin) to one of the two programs. You will have an equal chance to receive either program. For those individuals assigned to program B (group health counseling visit), they will receive the opportunity to join program A after they complete all 3 study visits.
Can I change my program if I don't like it?
No. A very important part of this study is to understand which program may work better and the reasons why each program may not work for some people. If you don't like your program, it will be very important for us to find out why and have you complete all assessment points so we can make modifications to future programs. Please make the decision to enroll very carefully as you will not be able to choose your program or change it. You do have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Can I get a prescription?
No. We do not offer any medication or prescriptions. This study is not a substitute for seeing your health care provider.
What will I have to do at each study visit?
We measure a lot of things at each study visit. We will measure your blood pressure, waist, weight, and height. We will also collect blood samples to measure sugar and types of fat in your blood, and ask you to complete a survey.
How long will each visit take?
On average, each study visit will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How will the PREDICTS study help me?
You will get a free program to help you reduce your risks of getting type 2 diabetes. You will also get free blood work done to help you learn more about your health.
What are the risks to being in the PREDICTS study?
The risks for being in the study are small. They involve the normal risks you would have from being more active, and having blood work done. Also some of the survey questions may make you uncomfortable or upset, but you do not have to answer them. You might feel uncomfortable interacting online with others in your group, but you can choose not to post or comment.
How can I find out more about the PREDICTS study?
You can find out more about the study by contacting our research coordinator at 402-559-9375.