Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies,

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology,

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695011.

Perceived Stress and coping strategies in parents of children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder

INFORMATION SHEET OF SUBJECTS

“Namaskaram”- My name is Prinu Jose and presently I am studying the course-

Master of Public Health (MPH) at AMCHSS (Achutha Menon Centre For Health Sciences)
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology,(SCTIMST)
Thiruvananthapuram. I am doing an institution based study among parents of children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study is being carried out as part my MPH course
requirement under the guidance of Dr. Ravi Prasad Varma , Associate Professor , AMCHSS.

Purpose of the study

The main purpose of the research is to assess the level of stress in parents of children with
ASD and factors associated with them. The study intends gather information on the coping
strategies used by parents of children with ASD. There will be no direct benefits to you for
participating in this interview.

Objective of the study

• To assess the level of stress in parents of children with ASD

• To examine the factors associated with stress in parents of children with ASD
• To find the coping strategies used by parents of children with ASD

Procedure

The survey would take approximately 20-30 minutes of your valuable time. You would be
asked a few questions related to parental stress and factors related to it. The collected data
will be used for research purpose only.

Risk and discomfort

Participating in this study imposes no risk to your health. However, you would be asked some
questions which could be personal in nature. You may choose to answer all or some of the
questions that I have put to you.

Confidentiality

Everything you say will remain private and confidential .Priority will be given to protect the
privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. The collected information will not
be shared with anyone not involved in the study but it may be shared with parties who have
the regulatory requirement including and not limited to ethics committee members and
research guide
Voluntary participation

Your participation in this study is voluntary and you have the right to withdraw your
participation at any time during the interview without any explanation. Refusal to participate
will not involve any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

In case you need any clarifications about my credentials or the study, you can also contact:
Dr. Mala Ramanathan
Member Secretary
Institutional Ethical Committee
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology, Trivandrum
Contact number : 0471-2524234
Email : iec.mem.sec@sctimst.ac.in

Principal Investigator (PA): Prinu Jose

Contact number : 9567047548
Email: preenuj18@gmail.com
WRITTEN INFORMED CONSENT

I ____________________________have read the information in the study information sheet.

I am over 18 years of age and hereby willingly give my consent to participate in the study.

I certify that:

1) I have fully understood the information provided about the study

2) My rights and responsibilities have been explained to me
3) I have been informed that there are no known risks associated with this study and
explained the possible benefits
4) I am aware of the fact that I can opt out of the study at any time without having to give any
reason
5) PA assured that my identity will be kept confidential if the data is published
6) I have been provided information about individuals whom I can contact to seek
clarifications during the study period.

Are you willing to participate in this interview? Circle the appropriate

Yes No

If yes,

Signature or thumb impression of the participant.

Full name

Address