How has this study been funded?

This study has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/), Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments and providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research.

Is participation compulsory?

No, participation is completely voluntary. If a person does agree to participate, they are free to withdraw at any time. If, while completing the survey, a person does not feel comfortable with any aspect of it, they are free not to proceed.

What about privacy?

All information provided to us will remain completely anonymous. Completed surveys will be identified only by a number. All information will be used for research purposes only, will be held in confidence and will be stored securely for a period of six years at Deakin University. Deakin research staff will at no stage have access to personal contact details. The survey has been coded by a number so that we can send follow-up reminder letters to those who have not returned the questionnaire.