Seeking Research Participants in Rural Ontario Canada

Researchers at Trent University are seeking individuals living or serving in rural Ontario to participate in 60–90-minute focus groups and 30–60-minute interviews via Zoom about their experiences accessing eating disorder treatment. The purpose of this study is to add to the limited body of research about eating disorder treatment experiences of youth and families in rural areas.

You are eligible to participate if you:

• are 18 years of age or older, and
• have lived experience of an eating disorder, or
• have experience caring for a youth with an eating disorder, or
• are a service provider who has supported or are supporting individuals with eating disorders.

You will be asked about what you did to support yourself or your loved one, and what factors may have made it more difficult to access treatment. You will also be asked how your efforts to seek help may have changed during COVID-19. Participating service providers will be asked to speak on their experiences in helping people locate services for eating disorders in rural communities.   

Focus groups and interviews will be held remotely, via Zoom or phone call. Interviews will require 60-90 minutes of your time. Confidentiality will be provided to the fullest extent possible. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed during focus groups. No identifying information or features that would allow a person to be identified will be used in this project. Participation is voluntary and participants must be fluent in English.

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through Trent University’s Research Ethics Board.  

If you have questions about the research in general or about your role in the study, please feel free to contact Sarah Moret at sarahmoret@trentu.ca or Dr. Naomi Nichols, Department of Sociology
at naominichols@trentu.ca.