INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR ADULTS ABOVE 18 YEARS OF AGE
Title of the proposed study: Aitururu (Sadness): Variation of Idioms of Distress among the
Iteso
Principle Investigator: Akoit Emuria Ojikan Sam, +256 782 429 753
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Student,
School of Psychology, Makerere University
Study sponsor: Self sponsored
Background and rationale for the study: Sadness is a common Problem, particularly for those
suffering from depression, which affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. It
represents the second leading cause of disability, with an estimated global point prevalence of
4.7 percent, and is the eleventh largest contributor to the global burden of disease. The diagnostic
categories of depression and its screening and measurement tools have been developed in high
resource, Western cultural contexts; which means that most assessment for depression follows a
totally foreign form resulting in unclear or misleading observations or conclusions regarding
diagnosis. Little has been done in Uganda to research on the use of local idioms of distress in
health in the expression of distress. Because of this knowledge gap, Many Ugandans in
psychological distress do not obtain formal care; they instead find solace in social or religious
help from within their communities. This research aims to improve mental health, healthseeking, and therapy, by helping to ensure that remedies are customised to the local context
through proper understing of aitururu (sadness) and other idioms of distress used in expression of
suffering among the iteso
Purpose: To explore variation in the use of sadness (aitururu) as an idiom of distress among the
Iteso and its influence on mental health seeking behavior.
Procedures: The researcher will use in-depth interviews to collect information from the
respondents after obtaining consent from them.
Focus group discussions will mainly be used to obtain and collective view points on
aitururu(sadness), the sessions will be guided by a semi structured interview guide and the
interviews and focus group discussions will be audio recorded, transcribed by an experienced
Ateso speaker, who will translate it to English for reporting purposes. Both NVivo 10 qualitative
data analysis software from QSR International and manual methods will be used to conduct the
analyses. Table format will be used to describe the primary ideas that emerge.
Benefits of the research study: This will give opportunity to the participants to express their
understanding of aitururu (sadness) and its role in expressing distress as well as decrease
language hurdles that could lead to misinterpretation; and give a better comprehension of
discomfort and, as a result, improve health-seeking behavior, because a better understanding and
expression of suffering leads to a desire to intervene, may be incorporated in other publications
in terms of reference, updating, and providing international understanding, as well as
highlighting the utilization of aitururu in the daily life of Ateso speakers. This will go a long way
toward enriching the Ateso language in terms of expressing distress and contextualizing
interventions.
Government, through its policymakers and implementers, can use this data to navigate program
interventions, track program progress, and inform management of health – related issues that
may develop in the near future.
Compensation for participation in the study: All participants will not be compensated
however, you will be provided a refreshment (drink; water or soda) and a snack.
Questions about the study: Any other concerns and study related questions can reach the
investigator; Akoit Emuria Ojikan Sam on 0782429753, emuria.sam@gmail.com
Questions about participants rights: Participants who have questions regarding their welfare
and rights as research participants can have their questions addressed by the MakSHSIRB Ag.
Chairperson Dr.Kalidi Rajab on telephone number +256 776798978 or +256 0200903786)
The study only serves academic objectives and satisfies a portion of the requirements for the
Science in Clinical Psychology degree. The department will get a written dissertation.
MAKSHSREC/IRB should get study input, and participants should receive a copy of the report
and where possible will be published in journals.
Statement of voluntariness: Participants may choose whether or not to participate in the
proposed study at their own free will and are free to leave the research at any time without being
penalized.
Ethical approval of the research study: The Makerere University School of Health Sciences
Research and Ethics Committee/IRB, an accredited Research and Ethics Committee/IRB with a
base in Uganda, will approve the project.
Confidentiality: In accordance with national and international ethical standards governing
research involving humans as research participants, the data that will be gathered will be kept
private and anonymous. My name will not be mentioned anywhere on the information's coded
formats, and my identity will be kept a secret. Only the study team will have access to the data
that has been gathered. The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNSCT) and
the School of Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee, however, may have access to
private data and, when applicable, specifically names research participants.
STATEMENT OF CONSENT
In regards to this study, ........................................................................... has explained to me what
would be done, the dangers, the advantages, and my rights. I've been made aware of the study in
which I freely want to participate. My identify will remain hidden while this data is used. I am
conscious of my right to withdraw at any time. I am aware that signing this form just signifies
that I have been told about the research project in which I voluntarily accept to participate. I do
not, therefore, surrender any of my legal rights in doing so. I will receive a copy of this form.
Research participant's name
(Institution)………………………………………………………………..
Signature
Date (DD/MM/YY)………………………
Name of researcher ………………………………………………………………..
Signature………………………………….
Date (DD/MM/YY)………………………