Senior Project Research: Informed Consent

Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School

Title of Research Study: The effects of school nutrition on students with food allergens. 

Primary Researcher: Jessie Shearer

Contact email: jshea9426@westada.org

Contact Phone #: (208)515-0590

Purpose of study: As part of a high school senior project, the researcher plans to conduct a survey with the parents of children who have food allergies in the Idaho school districts. This study aims to help the researcher better understand the experiences of individuals with food allergies. More specifically, the researcher hopes to learn about the effects of having a reaction at school or an altered meal plan due to allergens. The researcher will integrate the data from these interviews into a research poster and a presentation for the local community. Ultimately, the research will help students with food allergies and their experiences within their school.

Procedures: After being informed of the purpose of the survey and giving consent, the subject will answer questions posed by the researcher during an online survey. The questions will be closed ended referring to the students personal experiences relating to having a food allergy while in school. Questions will focus on the students allergen and how it has changed their ability to eat a school provided meal. The data will be analyzed through quantitative measures before being integrated into a research poster and presentation. With the subject’s consent, the subject’s information and data will be used.

Potential Risks of Participating: Because of the nature of the topic, the subject may experience some stress during the survey. In addition, the subject may feel discomfort about having their experiences and feelings represented in a research project that will be shared with the public.

Benefits of Participating: The survey will provide an opportunity to share experiences to help the researcher and the audience better understand the challenges and opportunities for people who struggle with having a food allergy in a school setting. This could benefit the local community by educating them about providing safer meals and responses to students with food allergies. This survey is completely anonymous, no email address will be collected, and all data will be deleted after the presentation.

The purpose and procedures of this study have been explained to the subject and he/she has assented to take part in this research. The subject understands that they can withdraw consent at any time.

If you have any questions or concerns about this student’s research, please contact Senior Project advisor Nathan Green via email at green.nathan@westada.org or telephone at (208)391-0795.