Q & A
Questions & Answers
How do I find out if I’m eligible to participate in the study?
You can find out if you’re eligible for the study by calling Leilani at 646-588-8449 or Robert at 646-599-5799 in New York City or Deepa at 585-746-6371 in Rochester, NY. We can answer all your questions, and ask a few questions to find out if you’re eligible. Or you can fill-out an eligibility form right here online.
What if I don’t live in New York City or Rochester, NY, can I still enroll in the study?
We only have office locations in New York City and the City of Rochester, NY. So, you can only enroll in the study if you are able to travel to one of these two locations. If you live outside of New York City or Rochester but you are willing to travel into to one of these locations regularly, then you can enroll.
Can transgender women participate in the study?
Sorry, right now our study is only accepting cisgender women; those assigned female at birth. This is because there are certain biological factors unique to cisgender women and their reproductive health that are part of our study.
I work during the week. Can I make an appointment on off-hours?
Yes, we understand that people work and have other obligations during the weekday. We encourage you to contact our study staff who will try to make an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
Will I have to be taking or not taking PrEP (Truvada/DESCOVY) or start PrEP to be part of the WISE study?
You can participate in the WISE study without starting or being on PrEP (Truvada/Descovy). Although understanding PrEP use among women who may be at risk for HIV is an important part of our study, there is no requirement for women to be taking or not taking PrEP to enroll in and remain in the study.
Where can I get more information about this study?
The best way to get more information about the study is to text or call us at 646-588-8449 or 646-599-5799 in New York City or 585-746-6371 in Rochester, NY, and speak with one of our very friendly study staff. They can answer all your questions. You can also email (Leilani@thewisestudy.com or Robert@thewisestudy.com) any questions you have to us, and we’ll be happy to answer them. Another good source of information is right here on our website. Start at the home page.
Is the WISE Study like a clinical trial?
No. The WISE study is not a clinical trial because we are not testing any new drugs or any treatments, we are just asking you to complete a survey once every three months and take some tests.
Will my past history prevent me from participating in this study, like past drug use or incarceration?
No, not at all. We welcome all people with past histories like you describe. You can easily find out if you are eligible for the study by calling us at 646-588-8449 in New York City or 585-746-6371 in Rochester, NY, or filling-out an eligibility form right here online.
Where will the interviews take place? Where will I have to go?
All of the study activities including interviews will take place at one of our study office locations. If you live in the New York City area, you will visit our office located in mid-town Manhattan. Our office is located just a block away from the main New York Public Library building and Bryant Park, and is conveniently located within two-three blocks of Grand Central Terminal and Times Square and close to subway lines (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, N Q, R, B, D, F, M, and S), as well as bus lines. If you live in the Rochester area, there are several locations you can choose. Call or text us (see the Contact Us page) for exact travel directions from your location.
What is this study about?
Broadly speaking, the WISE study is about the sexual health and well-being of women who are at risk for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A central part of the study is to learn more about women’s use of drugs know as PrEP (brand names Truvada and Descovy). Our ultimate goal is to allow women’s voices to be heard and their sexual health needs to be met. The knowledge gained from women in the WISE study will help to develop and improve services designed specifically for women, especially women of color.
Is this a paid study or will I be charged for participating?
You will be paid for your time and effort if you participate in the study. It’s only fair. For each research visit you attend, we will pay you $75 each, plus a local travel allowance.
Will there be multiple visits or just one?
Multiple visits. In addition to the first visit to enroll in the study and complete a “baseline” survey, study participants will be expected to attend a follow-up visit every 3 months for up to 5 visits in total: the initial visit, plus visits at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months after the initial visit.
Will my doctor know that I am enrolled in this study?
We will not contact your doctor directly to tell them that you are participating in the study. However, with your permission we will request selected medical records from your doctor’s office and it is possible that your doctor may find out about your participation in the study at that time.
Should I inform my doctor that I am enrolled in this study?
It is completely up to you whether or not you want to tell your doctor about your participation in the study. We will not be providing any health care to you in this study, so it will not interfere in any way with the regular care you receive from your doctor.
How long is the interview?
We anticipate that study visits will last for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The initial visit will involve study enrollment and completion of the survey, so the total time for the first visit may be a little longer than subsequent visits.
Will my name and information be disclosed at all e.g. on Facebook or via text messaging, etc?
No. We will never disclose your name. We are very serious about your confidentiality. We do have a Facebook page and a Twitter account. If you link your Facebook page to ours, someone might see that link, depending on your privacy settings. You have control over this.
What if I move during my time in the study, can I still participate?
If you move after you enroll in the study, we will make every effort to keep you in the study.
Contact us and we’ll try to help…
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In New York City…
Call or text Leilani (646) 588-8449 or Robert at (646) 599-5799 Email: Leilani@thewisestudy.com |
In Rochester, NY…
Call or text Deepa at (585) 746-6371 Email: Deepa@thewisestudy.com |
