Participant Information Letter

Dear student,

We invite you to participate in this research study that aims to explore sources of stress, academic pressure, as well as factors that attenuate or augment the association between stress and mental health outcomes. Please take your time to read through the details, and don't hesitate to ask the researcher to explain anything you're unsure about.

Background, and Purpose of the research

Maintaining good mental health during your studies is essential, as it helps you to thrive and be successful in your study. However, even though being able to study has many advantages, studying also comes with challenges and can be stressful. The stress is one of the main causes of poor mental health outcomes such as lowered mental well-being, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among students. There is lack of evidence about mental health of students in Pakistan and the underlying factors. In order to maintain and improve the mental health of students in Pakistan, we need to understand what factors affect it positively or negatively. 

What participation means and what is expected of you

To participate, register with your email; it will only take 5 minutes. You’ll receive an activation code via email and phone to ensure you get a reminder to complete the second questionnaire in six months. The study consists of completing a questionnaire twice. The first questionnaire can be completed now and the second one after 6 months. The survey will include questions about sources of stress, academic pressure, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes. 

When can you participate?

You are eligible to participate in this research study if you meet the following criteria: 

• You are aged between 16 and 27 years old. 
• You are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student at one of the following universities: International Islamic University Islamabad, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, or Bahria University Islamabad. 

Possible advantages and disadvantages 

You will not have any direct benefit from this study, but your participation is valuable in helping to gain deeper insights into student mental health. We do not foresee any potential disadvantages, aside from the time required to complete the questionnaire.

If you do not want to participate or want to stop the research

Your participation is completely voluntary. It's your choice whether to take part in the study or not. If you decide to join but later change your mind, that's perfectly fine, and you don’t have to explain why. It is not possible to withdraw the data after you have completed a questionnaire. This means that the information you have provided will be used in the study.

End of participation

Your participation in the research study will end once you have completed both surveys.  

Use, storage, and Confidentiality of your data

The data collected in this study will be used solely for research purposes and will be securely stored for 10 years on the institutional research drive, the T-drive of the Open University in Heerlen, the Netherlands. Personal details will be either removed or replaced with a code, making it impossible to trace any information back to individual participants. After publication, the data (with no personal information) may be shared with other researchers upon request.

Ethical Considerations

The research study is approved by ethical committee (cETO) of Open University Heerlen, Netherlands. Informed consent will be obtained voluntarily, and participants should have the right to withdraw at any time.

Researcher

My name is Ghulam Murtaza, and I am a PhD candidate at Open University Heerlen, Netherlands. I am conducting this research study as part of my doctoral research.

Do you have questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Ghulam Murtaza (Researcher).

Signing the consent form

If you agree to participate in this research study, please click on the link below. You will be asked to provide your consent before proceeding with the questionnaire and submitting your responses.

Contact details of the research team

Researcher: Ghulam Murtaza (ghulam.murtaza@ou.nl)

Supervisor: Dr. Anke Oenema (anke.oenema@ou.nl)

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Lilian Lechner (lilian.lechner@ou.nl)